Keir Starmer hints at cabinet post for Andy Burnham after by-election

But, as Starmer’s political capital has eroded ever further, he could do nothing when Burnham’s ally Josh Simons resigned his seat in the Makerfield constituency last month.

Every Thursday there is an exotic bird auction at the Stubshaw Cross Community Club on the outskirts of Ashton-in-Makerfield, south of Wigan.

The by-election was triggered by a Labour MP seeking to give Andy Burnham an opportunity to return to Westminster and challenge Sir Keir Starmer, whose leadership remains under immense strain.

Burnham supporters urge him to bring back David Miliband