Rebuffed Burnham can return to honing his stature and attack lines

Greater Manchester mayor will not be tested in tough byelection or against PM for now, but can continue to pose speculative threat

• Labour row erupts after Andy Burnham blocked from byelection race

With his return to Westminster seemingly blocked, on Monday Andy Burnham will get back to the two roles to which he has devoted his time in recent years: being mayor of Greater Manchester and annoying Keir Starmer.

The second is very much a part-time and unofficial role, but it is noticeable how Burnham manages to edge back into the media spotlight whenever the leader of his party is having a tough time.