Streeting backs Burnham for return to Westminster, saying he is Labour’s best chance of winning byelection – UK politics live
The Greater Manchester mayor is hoping to return to parliament after a Labour MP stepped down, triggering a byelection
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Steve Reed, a close ally of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has admitted that Starmer is "unpopular" but warned against a leadership challenge, arguing that replacing him would cause "chaos" similar to what occurred under previous Conservative governments. Reed urged Labour MPs to focus on serving the country rather than engaging in "internal-facing nonsense," denying that a formal leadership challenge is underway despite speculation about Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham potentially running. The pressure on Starmer intensified after Labour MP Josh Simons announced he would stand down from his constituency to make way for Burnham to enter parliament through a byelection.