DOWNING Street could use delaying tactics to block Andy Burnham from storming back into Parliament as Labour braces for an election bloodbath.
Labour MPs have been told No10 could drag out any by-election for months – even if an MP quit to hand the Greater Manchester Mayor a safe seat.
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Andy Burnham could be blocked from Westminster return AGAIN through delay tactics Credit: Reuters
Starmer is bracing for a bloodbath at the local elections Credit: PA
Insiders told The Jattvibe ministers could simply refuse to move the Commons writ needed to formally trigger the vote, leaving any seat sitting empty while freezing Mr Burnham out of Westminster.
Mr Burnham was already prevented from making a Westminster comeback earlier this year after Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee blocked him from standing in February’s Gorton and Denton by-election.
The warning comes as nerves grow inside Labour ahead of expected election losses and mounting speculation about Sir Keir’s future.
Former Deputy PM Angela Rayner is expected to make some form of statement after the results, with allies saying there will be a “clamour” for her response if Labour performs badly.
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But some Labour MPs now privately see Mr Burnham as the stronger soft-left contender, amid concerns over Ms Rayner’s unresolved tax issues and poor poll ratings.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also being linked to a possible leadership bid, with reports he has the backing of enough MPs to trigger a challenge.
