Burnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-election

"Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been cleared to seek selection as Labour's candidate in a by-election which could pave the way for him to return to Westminster. The mayor has been given the go-ahead by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee, which blocked his previous attempt to stand in a by-election in January. If he is selected as the candidate in Makerfield, in the North West of England, and goes on to win, Burnham is widely expected to try to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister."

"The prime minister is continuing to resist calls to stand down and set a timetable for his departure and is expected to fight any challenge from Burnham or other likely contenders. The Makerfield constituency became vacant on Thursday, when Labour MP Josh Simons said he would resign to make way for Burnham. The BBC understands the by-election is likely to take place on 18 June."

"Nearly 90 Labour MPs have urged Sir Keir to go and five ministers have resigned but a leadership race cannot be triggered until someone, with the backing of 81 Labour MPs, formally challenges the prime minister. Under Labour Party rules, Burnham is unable to join a leadership contest unless he becomes an MP."

"Announcing his decision to apply to stand in Makerfield, Burnham said he wanted to "bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people"."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been cleared by Labour’s National Executive Committee to seek selection as the party’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election. The constituency became vacant after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to make way for Burnham. If selected and victorious, Burnham is expected to attempt to replace the prime minister. The prime minister is resisting calls to stand down and is expected to fight any leadership challenge. A leadership race cannot be triggered until someone formally challenges the prime minister with the backing of 81 Labour MPs. Labour Party rules prevent Burnham from joining a leadership contest unless he becomes an MP. The by-election is expected to take place on 18 June.

Read at www.bbc.com