Andy Burnham has hit out at allies of Sir Keir Starmer for "demanding simplistic statements of loyalty", claiming they are underestimating the "peril" Labour is in.

The mayor of Greater Manchester insisted his recent interventions have not been about "personal ambition", but starting an "open debate" about the direction of the party ahead of potentially catastrophic local and devolved elections next year.

In the lead up to Labour's annual conference in Liverpool this week, the so-called "King of the North" has accused Sir Keir of having no vision for the country, while setting out his own policy proposals.

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It has fuelled mounting speculation he could launch a future leadership challenge against the prime minister, who in turn h

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