STORY
The Conservatives have attacked Andy Burnham’s economic approach as Labour MPs consider whether to replace Keir Starmer with the newly elected MP for Makerfield. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said Burnham taking over would be bad for the country and warned that financial markets would be watching his comments on borrowing and fiscal rules.
Stride told Sky News that Burnham had made what he described as foolish remarks about bond markets and said there was a difference between winning a by-election, serving as a mayor and becoming Prime Minister. He also said Labour remained addicted to debt and borrowing.
Burnham’s supporters argue that his record in Greater Manchester shows he can connect with voters and deliver a more devolved model of Government. The exchanges suggest that opposition parties are preparing to scrutinise Burnham’s fiscal credibility if he moves formally towards a leadership campaign.