Overview

• The Sun reports that Manchester-linked Labour figures discussed asking suspended MP Andrew Gwynne to vacate his Gorton and Denton seat, said to have a majority of over 13,000, to enable Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament.
• Andrew Gwynne and a source close to Burnham both reject claims that Gwynne will step down or that Burnham is plotting to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
• The report follows a reshuffle triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation that removed or demoted several Manchester MPs, including Lucy Powell, Jim McMahon and Mike Kane, fueling discontent in that group.
• Lucy Powell is described by The Sun as the bookmakers’ favourite in the deputy leadership race, while her campaign insists the contest should not be treated as a proxy battle over the leadership.
• Signs of unrest include public criticism of Starmer by Labour MP Clive Lewis, but the alleged plot remains uncorroborated and relies on anonymous sourcing.