"In an intervention likely to fuel speculation that he is seeking a return to Westminster, Burnham accused Downing Street of creating a climate of fear and spreading alienation and demoralisation among MPs. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph before the Labour conference this weekend, the Greater Manchester mayor said he was not plotting to get back and the leadership was for other people in Westminster to make a decision about."
"Asked about Burnham's remarks on Thursday morning, Steve Reed, the housing secretary, said Starmer got used to people taking potshots at him during opposition before he picked this party up off the floor and led us to a record-breaking election victory. Speaking to Sky News, Reed added that Burnham was doing a good job as mayor and was entitled to his view."
"He confirmed he still harboured the ambition to become prime minister, saying: I stood twice to be leader of the Labour party. And I think that tells you, doesn't it? He set out his thoughts on how to turn the country around, including with higher council tax on some homes in southern England and a 50p top rate of income tax."
Andy Burnham said Labour MPs privately urged him to challenge Keir Starmer to become prime minister. He accused Downing Street of creating a climate of fear and spreading alienation and demoralisation among MPs. Burnham said he was not plotting an immediate return to the House of Commons and described leadership decisions as for people in Westminster to make. He confirmed he still harboured the ambition to become prime minister and noted he stood twice for party leadership. He proposed policy ideas including higher council tax on some homes in southern England and a 50p top rate of income tax.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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