Opinion among Labour MPs is divided over whether Burnham should come back to the Commons.<\/p>\n
In a social media post appearing to back Burnham, Jo White, MP and leader of the Red Wall group said: “A London stitch up will be a disaster for Labour.”<\/p>\n
However, Graham Stringer, the MP for Blackley and Middleton South in Greater Manchester, said Burnham was “entitled to be ambitious but this isn’t the right opportunity”.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s very high-risk. By-elections are a nightmare for any candidates standing on behalf of a sitting government. I don’t think Andy should take that risk.”<\/p>\n
Labour won the Gorton and Denton seat at the 2024 election with a 13,000 majority. Reform UK came second with 5,000 seats narrowly beating the Greens candidate into third place.<\/p>\n
The area has traditionally been considered a safe seat, but Labour’s drop in popularity since the general election means the party are not guaranteed a win. <\/p>\n
As the prime minister’s popularity has declined, speculation has grown that he could face a leadership challenge after the local elections in May, at which Labour is expected to perform poorly. <\/p>\n
Alongside Burnham, Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have also been touted as possible challengers. <\/p>\n