Andy Burnham seeks advice from Sue Gray on forming future Labour government

Andy Burnham and Sue Gray are understood to have known each other for decades, going back to his time as a minister within Tony Blair’s government. Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters

Andy Burnham has sought advice from Sue Gray, Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff, on how to manage a potential transition into Downing Street if he returns to Westminster and succeeds the prime minister.

Lady Gray is understood to have advised Burnham on how a future government could be formed as Labour’s internal succession chatter intensifies before the Makerfield byelection.