Starmer has accelerated leadership challenge by blocking Burnham, MPs warn

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"Labour MPs have warned that Keir Starmer has brought forward the timetable for a leadership challenge by blocking Andy Burnham from standing at the crucial Gorton and Denton by-election. The crunch poll, taking place on 26 February, is now being seen by some MPs as a referendum on the prime minister's leadership, putting immense pressure on the government, which is now expected to lose the by-election."

Keir Starmer brought forward the timetable for a leadership challenge by blocking Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. The crunch poll on 26 February is being treated by some MPs as a referendum on the prime minister's leadership. The government faces immense pressure and is expected to lose the by-election. Labour selected relatively unknown Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate for Gorton and Denton. A 10-strong group from Labour's NEC, including Sir Keir, voted to deny Burnham permission to run, prompting accusations of factionalism. Falling Labour poll ratings and Burnham's slipping approval have increased pressure on Sir Keir's leadership.

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