Sir Keir Starmer is expected to face a wave of ministerial resignations after the Makerfield by-election result next week, with Andy Burnham now the favourite to win the seat and launch a leadership challenge.
The Greater Manchester mayor is understood to already be organising his Downing Street operation and sounding out candidates to join his top team, including cabinet roles, in the expectation he will become leader and prime minister after returning to parliament.
