Backlash from Labour MPs to Burnham leadership ambitions

"Burnham has criticised the Labour government in a series of interviews, and says he has been contacted by Labour MPs urging him to stand. But the majority of Labour MPs who replied after being contacted by the BBC said they were against such a move. Speaking to BBC North West, Sir Keir said he would not "get drawn into commenting on the personal ambitions of the mayor"."

"BBC Radio 5 Live asked 320 out of the 399 Labour MPs currently sitting in Parliament for comment. Many of the dozens who replied were unhappy at the performance of the Labour government, but few suggested Burnham's return would improve their fortunes. One said Burnham "seems to promote himself every time there's a perceived crack in the wall a bit like Japanese knotweed" and a minister said a "few disgruntled MPs" made up "the Burnham fan club" and the rest just wanted him to "focus on his actual job in Manchester"."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has criticised the Labour government and says Labour MPs have contacted him urging him to consider a leadership bid. A BBC Radio 5 Live outreach to 320 of 399 Labour MPs found many unhappy with government performance but the majority opposed Burnham mounting a challenge. Several MPs accused Burnham of self-promotion and urged him to focus on his mayoral duties in Manchester. Burnham proposed higher council tax on expensive homes, £40bn borrowing for council houses, income tax cuts for lower earners, and a 50p rate for the highest-paid. Sir Keir declined to comment on the mayor's personal ambitions and compared Burnham's spending ideas to Liz Truss's proposals.

Read at www.bbc.com