Andy Burnham has plan to return to Westminster ‘within weeks’, allies say
Andy Burnham has a plan to return to Westminster within weeks, with allies saying he aims to outline a new vision for government after the 7 May elections. Several MPs are reportedly willing to step aside to allow Burnham to contest a by-election and launch a leadership bid. His supporters hope to avoid a formal challenge to Keir Starmer and instead engineer a managed transition, possibly offering Starmer a continued role in government.
- ▪Burnham has identified seats where MPs would step aside to allow his parliamentary return.
- ▪An 'impressive' non-MP candidate, possibly Bev Craig, is lined up to replace him as Greater Manchester mayor.
- ▪Burnham's proposed policies include proportional representation, a 10-year growth plan, and inheritance tax reform for social care funding.
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Allies said Burnham planned to outline his vision after the 7 May elections that could end Keir Starmer’s premiership. Photograph: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PAView image in fullscreenAllies said Burnham planned to outline his vision after the 7 May elections that could end Keir Starmer’s premiership. Photograph: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PALabourAndy Burnham has plan to return to Westminster ‘within weeks’, allies sayExclusive: Greater Manchester mayor said to have identified seats where MPs would step aside to allow leadership bidJessica Elgot and Josh HallidayFri 1 May 2026 13.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 13.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAndy Burnham has a credible plan to return to Westminster “within weeks”, his allies have said, with the Greater Manchester mayor…
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