A route is now open for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster and challenge him for the top job.
Makerfield MP Josh Simons has agreed to stand down and force a by-election, which could see the Greater Manchester Mayor re-elected as an MP.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, Burnham said: "I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election.
After this week, we owe it to people to come back together as a Labour movement, giving the Prime Minister and the Government the space and stability they need as the by-election takes place."
Also on the programme:
– Amid rising anti-semitism, the King shows solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community.
– And sparkle and sequins as usual – but controversy and conflict threatens to overshadow Eurovision.
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