Andy Burnham planning to return to Westminster 'within weeks'

Andy Burnham is preparing to return to Westminster within weeks, with plans to potentially oust Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader. The Greater Manchester mayor has identified several seats where MPs are willing to step aside, triggering a by-election that could allow him to return to Parliament. Burnham was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, a move that was seen as a prelude to a potential leadership challenge. His supporters are reportedly trying to avoid a formal leadership challenge and instead hope to prompt Starmer to stand down after expected poor results in the May 7 elections. Constituencies in Merseyside and Greater Manchester are among those where MPs are prepared to stand aside for Burnham. Burnham is also preparing a progressive policy platform for a potential government.