Burnham says MPs are privately urging him to challenge Starmer for Labour leadership

Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, has called for more public control of housing, energy, water and rail. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Andy Burnham has said Labour MPs are privately urging him to challenge Keir Starmer to become prime minister but any such move would have to be “more than a personality contest”.

In an intervention likely to increase speculation that he is seeking a return to Westminster, Burnham accused Downing Street of creating a “climate of fear” and spreading “alienation and demoralisation” among MPs.