Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told Labor allies he still has options to
return to parliament despite several potential seats failing to materialize
ahead of a possible leadership contest. MPs linked to speculation over stepping
aside, including Jeff Smith and Afzal Khan, denied their seats were available.
Supporters of Burnham expressed concern that a fast-moving leadership race led
by Wes Streeting could leave him without time to re-enter parliament, while some
allies discussed the possibility of a transition arrangement with Keir Starmer.
