STORY
Andy Burnham has emerged as the clear favourite among Labour members in a poll on a possible future leadership contest. Sky News reported that a YouGov survey of Labour members placed the Greater Manchester mayor on 47% as first-choice candidate, ahead of Keir Starmer on 31%.
The poll was published as Burnham seeks to return to Parliament through the Makerfield by-election, although he has not yet been selected as Labour’s candidate. The by-election was triggered after Labour MP Josh Simons announced his intention to stand down, creating a possible route back to Westminster for the former cabinet minister.
The survey found Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last week and said he would stand in any leadership race, on 4% as first choice. Starmer has continued to insist that he wants to lead Labour into the next general election, while allies have said the party should focus on governing rather than internal speculation.