"I've been accused of all things in the last week, as you can probably see. I've done nothing more than launch a debate. And what I would say to those who say that I'm speaking out purely for my own ambition, I can say to you all tonight I am speaking out for the thousands of councillors here at this conference who are worried about going to those doorsteps next May, speaking for the members of the Senedd who, again, are working hard to keep Wales Labour, that's what we want to do next year. And, of course, members of the Scottish parliament as well, who want a stronger story about Labour to go to those doorsteps. I'm speaking out for the millions of good people around Britain who want a more hopeful direction for the country."
"Go and find a television camera, stand in front of it and say I have no intention of standing against the elected leader of our party'."
"navel-gazing and introspection was not the way to fight a generational battle for the soul of the country against Nigel Farage's Reform UK."
Andy Burnham launched a debate about Labour's future and said many MPs had urged him to run as leader while questioning the government's economic approach. The intervention provoked outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers and prompted warnings at the Liverpool conference that introspection would harm efforts to challenge Reform UK. Alan Johnson advised Burnham publicly to rule out standing against the elected leader. Burnham defended his remarks at a fringe event, saying he spoke for councillors, Senedd and Scottish parliament members, and millions seeking a more hopeful direction. He called for Labour to end a climate of fear and allow a broader range of views.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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