The battle to succeed Sir Keir Starmer is shaping up to be a two-horse race between Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting, as Labour MPs admit they cannot wait for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster and launch a leadership challenge.
The former deputy prime minister and health secretary have been among the favourites to become the next Labour leader for months, alongside the Greater Manchester mayor, who remains the most popular option with the party membership.
