Summary
Angela Rayner supports Andy Burnham's potential candidacy for a by-election in Greater Manchester. Burnham must decide by Saturday if he will seek permission to stand from Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC). The by-election comes after Andrew Gwynne resigned, and it could allow Burnham to challenge current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
- Angela Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary last year for breaching the ministerial code.
- Andy Burnham may run in a by-election in Greater Manchester, but the Labour NEC needs to approve his candidacy.
- The deadline for Burnham to decide if he wants to stand is Saturday, and he will know by Sunday if it's allowed.
- The by-election follows Andrew Gwynne's resignation from the House of Commons for health reasons.
- If Burnham wins the seat, it could enable him to challenge Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
- Labour's NEC may block Burnham to avoid triggering another election for Greater Manchester mayor, which could be costly.
- Some Labour members support Burnham, while others believe it is not the right time for his return.
- The Gorton and Denton seat is considered safe for Labour, but the party's popularity has declined since the last election.
