ITV political editor Robert Peston reported this morning from “sources close to the PM” that “Burnham was informed in no uncertain terms that he would be repulsed if he requested permission of the NEC committee to put his name forward for the Gorton and Denton by election.” His obstinance could therefore be interpreted purely as an attempt to destabilise Starmer…
Burnham’s team saw this, disputed it and said: “Andy Burnham is seeking an urgent call with No 10 about the briefing which he says is untrue and breaks a commitment given to him by the PM.” Also reported to Peston…
Here comes Robert again: “Another source close to the PM disputes what my original source close to the PM says about Burnham being warned not to bother to apply to be a candidate in the by election. Just so you know.” That went well…
