The Labour leadership contender who will campaign for Burnham in by-election race

Former Labour deputy prime minister Angela Rayner will campaign alongside Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield by-election on 18 June, according to *The i Paper*. The move has intensified speculation that Rayner is positioning herself for a top Cabinet role if Burnham successfully challenges Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Both Rayner and Burnham belong to Labour’s soft-left faction, and there have been reports of a potential pact between them to replace Starmer. Rayner previously supported Burnham’s unsuccessful bid to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, which was blocked by the party’s National Executive Committee. Following Labour’s poor local election results on 7 May, Rayner criticized Starmer’s decision to block Burnham’s candidacy, calling it a ‘mistake’. The Makerfield by-election was triggered after Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down to allow Burnham to run. Rayner has ruled out challenging Starmer herself but has not dismissed the possibility of entering a leadership contest if required. With Wes Streeting, seen as a right-wing candidate, preparing to stand, the soft-left faction aims to secure a rival candidate. Meanwhile, Rayner faces a scandal over alleged electoral fraud in her local council. Five individuals, aged 23 to 47, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud after fake independent candidates were allegedly added to the Tameside Borough Council ballot. Labour’s Atta ul-Rasool won the St Peter’s ward by 177 votes, while the two fake candidates combined for 291 votes, potentially splitting opposition support. Rayner has denied any involvement or awareness of the alleged wrongdoing.