Burnham and Starmer hold ‘frosty’ meeting to thrash out transition of power

The meeting between Burnham and Starmer was held away from No 10 and is understood to have lasted around an hour. Composite: Getty images

Keir Starmer has met Andy Burnham for the first time since the Makerfield byelection in what sources said was a “frosty” meeting to thrash out a transition of power.

The prime minister has agreed for his likely successor to have talks with the civil service to smooth his path, but there is deep resentment within his inner circle towards Burnham for ousting Starmer.