Andy Burnham to contest crunch Makerfield by-election, Labour confirms

If he returns to parliament, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham 'proud and humbled' to be selected. . Picture: PA

Andy Burnham will be Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election, the party has announced.

Burnham said he was “proud and humbled” to be selected, and vowed to ensure the voices of people in Makerfield were “heard loud and clear”.