Revealed: The brains behind Burnham

Allies of Andy Burnham are already developing policy ideas for a potential future Labour leadership bid, even as the Greater Manchester mayor focuses on winning next week's Makerfield by-election. The project, which includes plans for the economy and artificial intelligence, is drawing increasing scrutiny from Westminster and the City. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the figures shaping Burnham's political strategy.

Listen on Westminster may look busy but are MPs just waiting for the potential return of Andy Burnham? With the Makerfield by-election just over a week away Burnham insists he’s focussed on winning the seat. But behind the scenes allies are already developing ideas that could underpin a future bid for No10. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at who is moulding the Burnham project and why certain plans for the economy and AI are attracting growing scrutiny from Westminster and the City. You can get the full list of candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election here. https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/parl.makerfield.by.2026-06-18/makerfield/