Labour allows Andy Burnham to run for selection in pivotal by

Key Points:

• 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, potentially marking his return to Westminster.
• If selected and victorious in Makerfield, a traditionally safe but recently more contested Labour seat, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership and possibly aim to become prime minister.
• Sir Keir Starmer continues to resist calls to resign amid pressure following poor election results and ministerial resignations, with a formal leadership challenge requiring backing from 81 Labour MPs yet to materialize.
• Other potential leadership contenders include Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary and called for a broad debate on Labour's future, while Angela Rayner has not ruled out running but would avoid triggering a leadership contest.
• Political tensions have calmed after a turbulent week, with calls from government ministers to focus on serving the country, and public apologies from Home Office Minister Mike Tapp for the recent leadership speculation.