Rebuffed Burnham can return to honing his stature and attack lines

Andy Burnham’s request to stand for the Gorton and Denton byelection was refused by Labour’s national executive committee. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

With his return to Westminster seemingly blocked, on Monday Andy Burnham will get back to the two roles to which he has devoted his time in recent years: being mayor of Greater Manchester and annoying Keir Starmer.

The second is very much a part-time and unofficial role, but it is noticeable how Burnham manages to edge back into the media spotlight whenever the leader of his party is having a tough time.