Overview

• Anna Turley said many Labour MPs are frustrated by Andy Burnham’s leadership manoeuvrings and question his motivations.
• Burnham recently suggested some MPs had privately urged him to challenge Keir Starmer for the party leadership.
• Labour’s conference in Liverpool opens Sunday with the party trailing Reform UK in polls, sharpening the focus on Starmer’s vision.
• Senior figures stepped up criticism of Burnham’s stance, with Starmer comparing his economics to Liz Truss and Rachel Reeves rejecting his fiscal ideas.
• Analysts expect no immediate leadership contest, although tensions could persist unless the conference restores confidence.