Burnham wins by-election setting up leadership challenge

Andy Burnham has secured his return to the House of Commons as his allies called on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to hand over power.

The Greater Manchester mayor won the Makerfield bye-election by 9,231 votes, seeing off the challenge from Nigel Farage's Reform UK.

Mr Burnham's victory sets up a potential leadership contest unless the UK prime minister agrees to step down.

Mr Starmer has insisted he will fight any attempt to challenge him and has been building up a war chest for a leadership campaign.

However, Mr Burnham's supporters urged the UK leader to set out an "orderly and managed transition" of power.

Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh said she hoped Mr Starmer will "do what's best for both the country and the Labour Party".