Andy Burnham looks on the brink of returning to Westminster this weekend if polls showing he is heading for victory in the Makerfield byelection are to be believed. It is now clear his intention is to seek to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister as early as possible.
Talk in Westminster has turned to who could be part of setting the direction of a Burnham government. There are big questions over some of the key alliances – and whether Starmer would fight any challenge from Burnham, which could stall his advance on Downing Street. Here are the influential figures around the Greater Manchester mayor – and how they may fit in government.
