Labour on brink of civil war as party chiefs mull blocking Andy Burnham comeback

Some believe Mr Burnham should be allowed to put his name forward to ensure Labour selects the strongest possible candidate for the by-election. Others favour using new party rules restricting mayors from standing as MPs, citing the disruption and cost of triggering a mayoral election — one that Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, would be expected to contest strongly in Greater Manchester.