Burnham says MPs are privately urging him to challenge Starmer for Labour leadership

Greater Manchester mayor accuses Downing Street of creating a ‘climate of fear’ and says wholesale change is required

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Picture: PA

Andy Burnham has said Labour MPs are privately urging him to challenge Keir Starmer to become prime minister but any such move would have to be “more than a personality contest”.

In an intervention likely to increase speculation that he is seeking a return to Westminster, Mr Burnham accused Downing Street of creating a “climate of fear” and spreading “alienation and demoralisation” among MPs.