Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDavid LynchFriday 01 May 2026 23:02 BST'There is no place in Manchester for hate': Andy Burnham releases video message ahead of far-right rallyAndy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, is reportedly planning a return to Westminster with intentions to challenge Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.He has reportedly identified several constituencies where incumbent MPs are prepared to resign, triggering by-elections to facilitate his re-entry into Parliament within weeks.His supporters are said to hope Sir Keir will step aside following anticipated poor results for Labour in the May 7 elections, rather than facing a formal leadership challenge.Burnham was previously blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, reportedly due to concerns over the cost of a new mayoral election and the potential for the Reform party to win the mayoralty.Constituencies across Merseyside and Greater Manchester are reportedly among those where MPs might stand aside, although Bootle MP Peter Dowd has denied preparing to make way for Mr Burnham.In fullAndy Burnham planning return to Westminster ‘within weeks to challenge Starmer for Labour leadership’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in