Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting announces bid to replace Starmer

ANDY Burnham’s supporters have accused Wes Streeting of trying to derail him in leave-voting Makerfield by reopening old wounds over Brexit.

It will be a particularly difficult decision for those who were elected less than two years ago, when under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership Labour swept to power in the general election in 2024.

Two key figures have emerged as potential challengers after a series of political body blows that have left Starmer’s leadership in crisis, and the spectre of rejoining the EU was creeping back into the debate.

But supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor are furious with Mr Streeting as they believe it is a deliberate attempt to raise the issue in the leave-voting constituency of Makerfield where he is set to stand in the upcoming by-election, according to The Times.