Starmer faces pressure not to block Andy Burnham’s return to parliament

Angela Rayner is expected to urge PM to let Greater Manchester mayor stand in Gorton and Denton byelection

Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure not to block Andy Burnham from making a comeback to parliament, with Angela Rayner planning to urge No 10 to let him stand in a forthcoming byelection.

The prime minister’s allies have been trying to prevent Burnham’s return as a candidate in the Greater Manchester seat of Gorton and Denton, amid fears he could challenge the leadership.