By Nick Jackson

Andy Burnham has not ruled out a return to Westminster but has denied being the source of media speculation over a possible challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

The Greater Manchester Mayor used his regular slot answering calls on BBC Radio Manchester to respond to swirling stories around Labour's troubled Government.

"I've not put the stories on the front pages," he said. "Other people did that for reasons best known to them."

He said he believed the reason for the speculation because Westminster was 'in flux'.

Mr Burnham went on: "I've had this periodically in this job. Whenever Westminster goes into one of its moments, I always seemingly get dragged in.

"I hope people don't think this is false in any way, but I love this job, and I hope that's come over in the last eight years."

Andy Burnahm on BBC Radio Manchester today (Thursday 18 September) (Image via LDRS)

Tellingly, he said: "I haven't ever ruled out going back to Westminster. I've said that over the years.

"Obviously, I do watch what's going on down there, so I'm not saying 'not'.

"But it wouldn't be me saying 'right I'm going to put myself right out there again'. It would have to come from a different direction of people."

Mr Burnham tried but failed to be elected Labour leader in 2010 and 2015 and would need to stand in a by-election in order to become an MP before any possible leadership challenge. 

Mr Burnham continued: "I'm trying my best from here to do everything I can to build Greater Manchester and I think we're in a pretty good place."

He added: "Maybe what people don't see is some of the things I do behind the scenes, supporting the Government when they're trying to do the right thing, [like] the Hillsborough Law. I was very much involved in the behind-the-scenes negotiations last week and we've had a major breakthrough this week."

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