Allies of Andy Burnham are said to be discussing a "nuclear option" - with him resigning as Greater Manchester mayor when a safe seat in Parliament becomes available. Mr Burnham could take the drastic step in order to seek selection as a Labour candidate to become an MP.

It comes after Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked Mr Burnham from becoming the party's candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, held in February, on the grounds that it would create a vacancy for the mayor role.

Quitting as mayor would remove the need to request special permission from the NEC, some of Mr Burnham's supporters are said to believe.

It would neutralise concerns that a mayoralty by-election could be politically and financially costly for the Labour Party, potentially allowing Mr Burnham to return to Parliament.

Lucy Powell was the only member of Labour's ruling NEC to vote in favour of allowing Mr Burnham to stand in the by-election, with eight others, including Sir Keir Starmer, voting against.

Labour fell to third in the previously rock-solid seat in the February vote, with the Greens winning a fifth seat in Parliament and Reform UK coming second.

But allies of Mr Burnham said he has no intention of resigning and is "getting on with the job", which included accompanying Sir Keir Starmer on a visit to a Greater Manchester school earlier this week.

And one Labour insider pointed out that the NEC could still block people from being shortlisted for seats even if they are not mayors.

Sir Keir attempted to put on a united front with Angela Rayner and Mr Burnham on Monday ahead of local elections which are expected to prove tricky for Labour.