Angela Rayner allies are pushing her to strike a deal with Andy Burnham to let him back into Parliament – but only if she becomes prime minister first.
Sources close to the former deputy Labour leader say Rayner does not believe that the hugely popular Greater Manchester Mayor has a “realistic chance” of becoming a MP before a leadership contest is triggered.
Allies of Rayner have convinced a number of MPs originally backing Burnham that she is the only candidate from the “soft left” that can replace Sir Keir Starmer if the starting gun on the race for No 10.
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HEALTH
How weight-loss drugs can help obese breast cancer patients
CARDIFF, WALES – NOVEMBER 8: A close-up of a Mounjaro KwikPen injection pen on November 8, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
Weight loss drugs could improve survival rates and lower the risk of cancer returning in breast cancer patients with obesity, a new study suggests.
Researchers said GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy “may offer protective benefits beyond glycaemic and weight control, potentially improving survival and recurrence risk in some female patients with breast cancer”.
A survival boost
Researchers from the US-based Massey Comprehensive Cancer Centre said breast cancer patients living with obesity or type 2 diabetes tend to have poorer survival outcomes.
While GLP-1 drugs are already known to help treat both conditions, researchers added that their links with breast cancer survival and recurrence “remains unclear”.
HEALTH
4 min read
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
The mystery link
With researchers unsure of the mystery link, they set out to examine the connection among breast cancer patients over a 10-year period. Here’s how it went:
The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, examined data on 841,831 US patients aged 18 and over.
They used prescription data to see whether patients had used GLP-1s before or after they were diagnosed.
They compared 1,610 patients who used, and 1,610 patients who did not use, the weight loss drugs at any point.
The weight loss drugs appeared to carry a 65 per cent reduced risk of death among women with obesity during the 10-year follow up period, researchers said.
Use of the drugs were also linked to 56 per cent reduced risk of the disease returning.
Landmark study
All-cause mortality was approximately 60 per cent lower at both five and 10 years among GLP-1 RA users compared with non-users. No study has found a survival difference this large associated with GLP-1 RA prescriptions in a population of women with breast cancer or any other cancer.
Dr Richard Wender, the University of Pennsylvania
Clinical trials suggest that trastuzumab deruxtecan, also known as Enhertu, can increase the amount of time patients live and gives them more time before their disease progresses (Photo: PA)
What next?
The researchers said their findings support the launch of clinical trials to further evaluate the effects of the drugs.
While the findings are promising, more work is needed before changing treatment practices for breast cancer patients.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
LIFESTYLE
7 min read
ENTERTAINMENT
The Beatles to open museum on site of iconic last gig
Caption: Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison in THE BEATLES: GET BACK. Photo courtesy of Apple Corps Ltd.
THE BEATLES GET BACK
Film Still
Disney Plus
Image via https://press.disney.co.uk/
Copyright: ? 2021 Apple Corps Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
The Beatles are turning the seven-floor venue where they played their last ever gig into an exhibition space.
It will be the first museum in London dedicated to the iconic band, once it is opened next year.
The Beatles at 3 Savile Row
The museum, called The Beatles at 3 Savile Row, is expected to include a series of exhibitions using unseen archival material, as well as a recreation of the studio where the band recorded their final album, Let It Be.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the LP “gold standard”
A Hard Day’s Night was filmed in crisp black and white in London at the height of Beatlemania (Photo: United Artists/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
The Grade II listed mansion served as the band’s headquarters between 1968 and 1972. On 30 January, 1969, the band performed their last-ever concert on the rooftop of the site after the Let It Be sessions.
McCartney visits soon-to-be museum site
There are so many special memories within the walls, not to mention the rooftop. The team have put together some really impressive plans and I’m excited for people to see it when it’s ready.
Sir Paul McCartney
Caption: Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison in THE BEATLES: GET BACK. Photo courtesy of Apple Corps Ltd.
THE BEATLES GET BACK
Film Still
Disney Plus
Image via https://press.disney.co.uk/
Copyright: ? 2021 Apple Corps Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Biopics in the works
Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr and the estates of their fellow band members John Lennon and George Harrison have all committed their support for the museum. It will be funded by Apple Corps, the entity set up by The Beatles in 1968.
It comes ahead of the planned release of four biopics in 2028, which each focus on a band member with Paul Mescal as McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Starr, Harris Dickinson as Lennon and Joseph Quinn as Harrison.
FILM
5 min read
MUSIC
5 min read
Multiple Labour MPs warned, however passionate or persuasive Sir Keir Starmer is, his remarks are unlikely to help (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty)
POLITICS
Who are the main threats to Starmer’s leadership?
As Sir Keir Starmer faces calls to step down following a blistering defeat in the local elections, The i Paper examines the front runners to a potential leadership contest.
The Labour Party lost around 1,400 council seats overall, foregoing majority control of around 38 councils, and prompting dozens of MPs to demand a resignation.
Who are the front runners to replace Starmer?
Wes Streeting, Health Secretary
Angela Rayner, backbench MP and former deputy leader
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Catherine West, former under-secretary of state at the FCDO
OPINION
4 min read
A look at the contenders
Caption: FILE PHOTO: Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner exits a vehicle in Downing Street in London, Britain, March 26, 2025. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
Photographer: Hannah McKay
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is thought to be the most ready for a leadership contest.
The former deputy PM Angela Rayner is pipped to be a potential successor to Starmer. While she has not confirmed a bid, her allies say she is getting prepared.
Exclusive
7 min read
Who else is in the running?
The Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has previously said he would stand against Starmer if there were a contest. However, Burnham cannot run for Labour leader unless he is first elected as an MP.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is thought to be a strong contender for PM, if a contest is launched before Burnham has returned. However, he was already rejected by the electorate against David Cameron in 2015.
NEWS
3 min read
Exclusive
3 min read
PM says he will not resign
Former parliamentary under-secretary of state at the FCDO Catherine West has said she would challenge Starmer for leadership. “You know what sometimes happens to stalking horses? They become the candidate,” she said.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly said he will not resign despite mounting pressure after a poor set of local election results.
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Prime Minister Keir Starmer gives a speech at Coin Street Community Centre on May 11, 2026 in London, England. Prime Minister and Labour Leader Keir Starmer is making a major speech in a bid to secure his premiership, following the devastating losses the Labour Party suffered in last week’s elections. Starmer says the government “will face up to the big challenges” the country faces after Labour relinquished nearly 1500 seats in local elections across England and power in the Welsh Senedd. In the wake of Labour’s historic losses, Labour MP Catherine West has said she will attempt to trigger a leadership contest against Starmer if his cabinet ministers fail to challenge him. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Photographer: Carl Court
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
Caption: Catherine West MP, Labour appears on BBC TV’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg in London, Britain, May 10, 2026. Jeff Overs/BBC/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. NOT FOR USE MORE THAN 21 DAYS AFTER ISSUE. ANY USE AFTER THAT TIME MUST BE CLEARED THROUGH BBC PICTURE PUBLICITY.
Photographer: Jeff Overs/BBC
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Source: Handout
WORLD ANALYSIS
Trump faces his greatest rival this week. He needs a win
Only a few months ago, the prospect of a summit between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping looked likely to be a bruising confrontation.
Last year, after Washington had imposed tariffs on Chinese goods that reached as high as 145 per cent at one stage, rhetoric on both sides hardened sharply.
Rising anxieties
Trump has tried to navigate the rising anxiety about China, which is one of the issues that has united Republicans and Democrats in the US for the best part of 10 years.
He has consistently expressed his admiration for Jinping, even when he was out of office. To his detractors, this was yet another sign that the US President has a soft spot for autocrats and dictators.
Trump and Xi Jinping tour the Forbidden City in Beijing in November 2017 (Photo: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
OPINION
3 min read
A ‘friendly’ summit
After a meeting between the two leaders in Busan, South Korea, last October, Jinping took a similar line. “China and the United States should be partners and friends,” he said.
Caption: U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event at The Villages Charter School at The Villages, Florida, U.S., May 1, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
Photographer: Nathan Howard
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS
(Photo: Nhac Nguyen/Pool/AFP via Getty).
This does not mean that the anxieties that both countries have about each other’s motivations, ambitions or capabilities have dissipated. At the moment, however, it suits both sides to make this week’s summit as friendly and constructive as possible.
Iran war pressures
For the US, the opening of Pandora’s box that has followed the attacks on Iran means that, as well as being preoccupied elsewhere, there is a need to replenish heavily depleted weapons stocks.
That means that a moratorium with China is helpful, as is a loosening of Beijing’s tight controls on the export of rare earths and critical minerals.
Trump has been messaging his intentions accordingly.
Last month, he posted on Truth Social about the summit: “President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well!”
The cost of fighting
Trump cannot afford to pick another fight at a time when the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has put pressure not only on oil supplies but also on fertiliser, helium and the global economy as a whole.
That works well for Jinping, too. The optics of Washington treating China as a peer are good for the latter’s global stature.
Caption: TOPSHOT – US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on April 16, 2026. The United States will prevent all shipping from entering or exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz for “as long as it takes,” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, the fourth day of the blockade. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: SAUL LOEB
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors
OPINION
4 min read
Movement on both sides
That is why the meeting is likely to produce a set of carefully calibrated announcements designed to show that co-operation remains possible.
The United States is expected to push hard for major Chinese purchases of American goods.
China, meanwhile, will seek movement on export controls, semiconductor restrictions and investment barriers.
Analysis
4 min read
Analysis
6 min read
HEALTH
How the four-day week could reduce obesity
Caption: Embargoed to 0001 Saturday January 22
File photo dated 28/07/10 of an overweight man. Obese people are being encouraged to ask their pharmacist about a free online NHS weight loss programme. Issue date: Saturday January 22, 2022. PA Photo. Until now, obese patients with either high blood pressure or diabetes had to be seen by their GP before they could access the 12-week weight management plan in England. See PA story HEALTH Obesity. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Photographer: Dominic Lipinski
Provider: PA
Source: PA
Those who work longer hours are more likely to be obese, new research suggests, prompting experts to push for a four-day week in Britain.
Long days mean “time-poor” staff rely on unhealthy convenience food, have fewer opportunities to exercise, and register higher levels of cortisol – the stress hormone, all of which increase fat storage.
The research
The research, published at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, examined data from 33 countries working with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, including the UK.
It compared average working hours with obesity rates, and found nations with the highest rates of obesity, including the US and Mexico, had the longest working hours. Other countries, such as the Netherlands, had low obesity and low working hours.
Every 1 per cent reduction in working hours was associated with a 0.16 per cent decrease in obesity rates at a population level, the data suggests.
Switching to a four-day week could result in a 3 per cent fall in obesity rates.
If applied to England, where 13.5 million are obese, this would result in over 400,000 fewer obese adults.
A balanced life is a better life
We need to change the food environment and working conditions. When people have a more balanced life, they have a better life. They have less stress, they can focus on more nutritious food and engage in more physical activities
Dr Pradeepa Korale-Gedara of the University of Queensland in Australia, the study’s author
Try and eat vegetables of different colours for maximum nutrition (Photo: Getty)
Of the 33 countries in the study, the UK ranked ninth for obesity rates, but 24th in terms of working hours.
The average adult in England is forecast to work 1,505 hours a year in the UK, compared with 1,811 in the US.
(Photo: Charles Gullung/Getty).
Constant fatigue could point to anaemia (Photo: LaylaBird/Getty)
Dr Rita Fontinha, of the World of Work Institute at the University of Reading, said: “If you work two jobs or long hours, you simply do not have the energy to cook, and it becomes easier to just buy something packaged or processed.”
More than 200,000 workers have switched to a four-day week since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.
What is the four-day week?
Active woman doing stretching exercise with friends – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
There is a growing movement in the UK towards a four-day week, where employees work one less day per week with no loss of pay.
Advocates argue companies can still maintain the same level of productivity, while also having wider health and societal benefits. Some say it may increase pressure to do the same amount of work in less time.
OPINION
3 min read
Dua Lipa’s Pyramid Stage headline performance in 2024 was streamed on bbc.com for international audiences (Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
ENTERTAINMENT
Why Dua Lipa has sued Samsung for $15m
Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung for at least $15m (£11m), accusing the South Korean tech giant of using a photo of her to sell its TVs.
Samsung began using an image of Lipa on an image of a TV screen printed on its cardboard packaging for a “significant portion” of its TVs sold in the US last year, according to the legal complaint filed in California on Friday.
No permission or compensation
The British popstar, 30, alleges that Samsung did not financially compensate her or seek permission for using her image, which was taken backstage before a performance at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024.
When Lipa became aware of Samsung’s use of the image June 2025, she says she immediately demanded that the company stop using it. However, the singer claims Samsung was “dismissive and callous” and “repeatedly refused”.
NEWS
3 min read
MUSIC
5 min read
Singer had ‘no say, control, or input’ in campaign
Ms. Lipa’s face was prominently used for a mass marketing campaign for a consumer product without her knowledge, without consideration, and as to which she had no say, control, or input whatsoever. Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.
tHE LAWSUIT STATES
Dua Lipa at Milan Fashion Week in February 2023 (Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
Copyright claims
The lawsuit states that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph that was used, and that it is a violation of the California right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark claims.
The case also alleges that Lipa is “highly selective” in making product endorsements and that Samsung’s conduct “makes a mockery of her hard work in establishing a successful brand”. Samsung has yet to respond.
Lipa kept up the energy throughout (Photo: Shirlaine Forrest)
OPINION
4 min read
How to fake your way to being organised
Do you have your life together? Is your home tidy and clutter-free; your diary neatly colour-coded; your to-do list full of satisfying ticks?
If these questions feel like a personal attack don’t worry. We asked the put-together experts for their secrets.
Get to know your brain
The real magic is rarely in the system but in how your brain likes to work.
If you love analytical tasks, try making spreadsheets.
Set reminders for the things you usually forget.
Use the Notes app for the ideas you think of in the shower but never remember when you get to do it.
But if you are more likely to structure your day around how you’re feeling, a calendar isn’t the best option.
How to fake your way to organisation
Cropped image of senior woman putting car key in ignition lock – stock photo. (Photo: Kentaroo Tryman/ Getty)
Make it easier
If you hate folding, change your storage style. If you’re always forgetting your keys, put a sign by your door.
Make a launch pad
Keep a small tray or basket in the hallway for your can’t-leave-home-without essentials.
Two young children wearing school uniforms exit their front door – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Mid adult businesswoman using phone and laptop for work from home. – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Use technology
After meetings use an AI tool to note down what you have to remember as a brain dump.
Create new habits
The one-touch rule
If you put your shoes straight on the rack as you take them off, instead of kicking them onto the floor and moving them later, that’s one touch. If you hang things up rather than tossing them onto the ‘bedroom chair’ it’s another one-touch win.
A woman with one foot is searching for an amputee to share shoes with – so her two bin bags full of unwanted right foot size six shoes don’t go to waste. (Photo: Emma Henson/ SWNS)
Full length of mid adult man doing chores in kitchen at home – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Talk to yourself out loud
This verbal anchor helps you remember what you have decided to do and cuts down on mental drift.
The 300-second challenge
Caption: Millennial black lady vacuuming floor while her husband watching TV, not helping her with household duties, cropped view. Unrecognizable young couple having problem with domestic chores
Photographer: Prostock-Studio
Provider: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Source: iStockphoto
Give yourself five minutes to deal with one overdue chore or task.
Using seconds rather than minutes creates urgency and gives your brain a novelty hit.
Try it when putting the laundry away, making a phone call or reading an overdue email.
LIFESTYLE
9 min read
Make it easier for yourself
Use completion cues
Drop a marble in a jar or move a sticky note across a board each time you complete a task.
To do list – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
It is the perfect time to enjoy an afternoon nap in your own home (Photo: Malte Mueller/Getty/fStop)
Support your future
Write down where you left off and the next small task to tackle to strengthen your control over every day demands.
Ask for help
Consider seeking support from loved ones, neighbours, colleagues, community groups or professionals.
‘Everyone who comes to see me assumes I am hard-up, so they either bring me gifts and treats, or if we go out together, they always insist on paying’ (Photo: Getty)
Eight tips for
combating loneliness
Ree Young, works for Mind mental health charity as a ‘befriender’ – this means working with people aged 50 and over in the city of Leeds – who may be struggling with social isolation or loneliness.
Young advises these people on how to get social, even when you don’t want to. Here are her tips.
How to combat loneliness
Social isolation affects us all
27%
of adults reported they felt lonely always, often or some of the time in data published by the Office for National Statistics in 2024.
7%
reported that they felt lonely always or often.
How to combat loneliness
Running might not seem like the most appealing hobby, but if you give it a try, you might be surprised (Photo: EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS/Getty/Digital Vision/ems-forster-productions)
Stay socially active
Check out what’s going on at your local community centre or learn something new to make connections.
Use technology
Look up old friends online, or use video-call features to connect with those who don’t live nearby.
FaceTiming on an iPad or iPhone is a simple method of video calling (Photo: Getty)
Woman learning to knit with friends in cafe – stock photo. (Photo: Compassionate Eye Foundation/David Oxberry/ Getty)
Get creative
Why not learn how to crochet, write short stories, plant a herb garden or play the ukulele in a group?
Adopt a pet
They can provide companionship, a listening ear and a structured routine. They can be good listeners and stroking them can make us feel calmer and more at ease. Even the smallest pets, like fish, can bring us joy and a sense of purpose.
REE YOUNG, BEFRIENDER
(Photo: fotostorm/Getty Images/E+)
How to tackle loneliness
Join a death cafe
They are safe and inclusive spaces for people to be curious about death in a supportive environment.
Portrait of senior male cafe owner at front counter – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Hay fever can be incredibly disruptive (Photo: Science Photo Library/Getty)
Try citizen science
It’s a great way to feel part of a community, while also contributing to worthwhile initiatives.
Explore your faith
Try attending services if spiritual practices are important to you. They can offer strong support networks and open doors to new people.
Caption: Richard Loynes, with the leaning church of Dry Doddington, Nottinghamshire, also known as St James Church. April 14, 2026. // England’s wonkiest church which has a spire which leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in vital need of ??100,000 repairs to save its future – but have refused to correct the angle of its famous tower. The spire of St James’ Church in the countryside village of Dry Doddington, Lincs., tilts at 5.1 degrees compared to the 3.99 degrees of its Italian counterpart over 1,000 miles away. Villagers consider the Grade II-listed building “Britain’s answer to The Leaning Tower of Pisa” but there are now concerns for its future as it is need of essential repairs. Tourists often travel to snap photos next to the historic tilting place of worship, which has now launched a fundraiser to raise another ??100,000 11 years after it underwent ??100,000 of renovation work to save its tower. The 12th century church was built originally as a ???Chapel of Ease??? for older residents to attend church rather than walking to a neighbouring village. The tower, dating from the 14th century, is believed to have first shifted in the late 19th century and was underpinned in 1918 to prevent it from tilting any further. Church warden Richard Loynes said: “The church is very much part of the village and we’re proud of its uniqueness.??? Photo released 15/04/2026
Photographer: Tom Maddick / SWNS
Provider: Tom Maddick / SWNS
Source: Tom Maddick / SWNS
Seek professional help
If you are unsure what support is available, speak to your GP. Research local charities and find out what services they have to offer, and try accessing local befriending, group or peer-support services.
There is nothing shameful about asking for help.
The Government must prioritise targeted investment in mental health services, preventative programmes to stop people’s health worsening – including public health funding across the North, a report said. (Photo: Alamy/PA)
Female psychiatrist discussing with mid adult woman during therapy session – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
This is despite the fact that Rayner, who was forced to quit the Cabinet last year, is still being probed by HMRC after she admitted to underpaying stamp duty on an £800,000 property in the well-heeled area of Hove, East Sussex.
According to those familiar with Rayner’s thinking, she is not pushing this idea personally, although they acknowledge that MPs are looking at a number of different scenarios depending on how events play out.
Operation Bring Back Burnham
The Prime Minister is facing a perilous few days after Labour was annihilated in the local elections last week.
Catherine West, a former minister, publicly indicated over the weekend that she will stand against him as a “stalking horse”, widely seen as an attempt to flush out the main contenders including Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary.
However, earlier on Monday, she appeared to back down from her threat. She’s now collecting names of Labour MPs to call on the Prime Minister to set a timetable for the election of a new leader in September – a move interpreted of being persuaded to pull back from the brink by Burnham supporters.
The prospect of a longer timetable would allow time for the Greater Manchester Mayor to potentially return to Parliament and join a leadership contest. Although, Burnham could still be blocked by the Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC), which voted eight to one not to let him stand in a by-election in January.
On Sunday, Rayner publicly called for his return as she accused Starmer of “toxic cronyism”. She said that blocking Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election in January was “a mistake” – a view she reiterated during a speech on Monday to the Communication Union Workers’ conference.
Over the weekend, Starmer triggered widespread ridicule amongst many Labour MPs when he insisted he would not step down and planned to govern for a decade.
It is understood that Rayner as prime minister would be prepared to let Burnham stand as a MP and return to Parliament – and even stand aside for him if she cannot turn around Labour’s dire poll ratings.
The offer has piqued the interest of several Burnham-supporting MPs, including prominent members of the Socialist Campaign Group, who are all desperate to prevent Streeting, seen as on the right of the Labour movement, from replacing Starmer.
Many MPs are concerned that Burnham will continue to be blocked by the NEC, which is stuffed with Starmer loyalists keen to shore up the Prime Minister’s position.
Rayner is the only route back for Burnham
A series of embarrassing U-turns and defeats in the House of Commons has been severely weakened the Prime Minister’s authority, but he has soldiered on without facing a challenge. However, Starmer is now facing calls to resign from more than 40 MPs since since Labour lost almost 1,500 council seats in the local elections last week.
Allies of Burnham were panicked by West’s unlikely announcement over the weekend as they are concerned it may trigger a leadership contest before he can get back into Parliament. Some are now forming alternative plans to ensure that a candidate from the soft-left wing of the Labour party replaces Starmer in case Burnham fails to return in time.
Some are even encouraging Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader and current Energy Secretary who is popular with the membership, to stand amid reports support for Rayner is ebbing away.
But others still believe Burnham is the party’s best option – even if it means backing Rayner in the first instance.
A Labour MP, who was previously supporting Burnham, said: “The only route in for Burnham is Rayner. We are doomed if we do not support Rayner.” The MP said Starmer had to be challenged immediately otherwise the momentum to replace him would dissipate.
Another MP added: “The only way Burham can get back to Westminster is if Rayner is PM. Burnham has been letting the soft left think there is a route in when there is not.
“Rayner will let him return to Westminster and even promise to hand over the reins to him in the event that she can’t turn the polls around. She knows this will be a challenge because of the ongoing attacks from the right-wing press so there is a decent chance it would quickly fall into his lap.
“The only difficulty with this plan is three Labour prime ministers in quick succession would not be ideal, but at the moment we can see no other option.”
Rayner would be ‘compelled’ to stand against Streeting
However, this extraordinary offer has not convinced all the MPs currently backing Burnham. Louise Haigh, the powerful leader of the soft-left Tribune group, which commands the support of up to 100 MPs, is against the idea and still believes the party should be patient and wait until Burnham is back in Parliament.
She is understood to have reached out personally to Rayner in an attempt to stop her fomenting dissent with the Burnham-supporting contingent.
Sources close to Rayner say her statement last night was an attempt to flush out Streeting. She has told allies that if he stands in the contest she will feel “compelled” to stand against him.
Allies of the Health Secretary claim Streeting is prepared to stand for the leadership if Starmer’s premiership “falls apart”, but insist he will not be the “first mover”.
Today, Westminster was gripped with growing rumours that a Labour MP is set to resign to make way for Burnham’s return.
Last week, The i Paper revealed that allies of Burnham had offered peerages to MPs in a bid to persuade them to stand aside. However, Burnham would still have to be approved as a candidate by Labour’s NEC and win a by-election, all of which would take at least six weeks.
Rayner’s offer to Burnham is not the only sign of co-ordination between their camps. The i Paper can also reveal that several commissions to develop new left-wing policies have been jointly set up by allies of both Burnham and Rayner.
A source said that friends of Miliband are also involved in the commissions, which are exploring new approaches to the economy, defence and justice. Miliband has previously been linked to the position of chancellor of the exchequer in any future Burnham government.
Last week, it was reported that Miliband had privately suggested to Starmer that he should consider setting out a timetable for his departure.