Powell supports Starmer on eve of elections but backs Burnham return as MP

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer helps out in the call centre at Labour Party headquarters in London, on the last day of campaigning ahead of the elections on Thursday (PA) - (PA Wire)

Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell signalled her support for Sir Keir Starmer on the eve of local elections but said she would back another bid from Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.

The Manchester Central MP said the Prime Minister was the right leader for this moment in time but sidestepped questions about whether he should lead the party into the next general election.