Burnham allies warn against quick ‘coronation’ of Streeting if Starmer quits

An ally of Andy Burnham said Labour must ‘do what it takes to ensure he is available to be the next leader of the party and the country’. Photograph: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images

Allies of Andy Burnham have warned against a “coronation” for Wes Streeting as the next prime minister and called on Labour’s ruling body to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to stand for the leadership.

As Keir Starmer attempted to face down mounting calls for his resignation on Tuesday, sources close to Burnham demanded immediate assurances from Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) that he would not be blocked from contesting a parliamentary byelection.