Labour descended deeper into chaos today as Andy Burnham's allies accused rivals of trying to sabotage his crucial by-election battle.
Supporters of the Greater Manchester mayor lashed out after leadership contender Wes Streeting voiced support for rejoining the EU.
That highlighted Mr Burnham's own strident views on reversing Brexit - seen as deeply unhelpful when he is wrestling Reform in the Eurosceptic seat of Makerfield. Victory would be a springboard to taking over from Keir Starmer.
The spat came amid rising anxiety in Labour ranks at the consequences if the contest - likely to be on June 18 - is lost.
Even fans of Mr Burnham say his chances of success could be worse than 50-50, with polls having consistently shown Nigel Farage's outfit on track to win.
Despite the race to replace him being in full swing, Sir Keir is not expected to concede he will have to quit or set out a timetable. Instead the premier will wait to see whether Mr Burnham can get back into the Commons.
Deputy PM David Lammy acknowledged this morning that the aftermath of disastrous local elections had been a 'spectacular own goal'.
In other twists and turns today:
- Angela Rayner is said to have turned down an offer to become Health Secretary after Mr Streeting quit;
- Reform could announce a local plumber as its candidate as soon as today;
- There is speculation the Tories could shun Makerfield to maximise the chances of Mr Burnham being defeated;
Andy Burnham was campaigning in Makerfield with Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell yesterday
Mr Streeting, who dramatically quit as Health Secretary last week, signalled he wanted to see Britain return to the EU in a speech on Saturday
Attempting to rally the party together, Mr Lammy told Sky News: 'This is a Labour by-election. We've got quite threatened votes, Reform will be challenging hard.
'I've known Andy Burnham for over a quarter of a century. We were both proteges of the wonderful Tessa Jowell.
'We worked together all those years ago under Tony Blair. He will be a great addition to parliament for Makerfield. He has my full support.
'I will be up there, much of the Cabinet will be up there of course, the Labour movement will be up there to make sure we win.'
Mr Streeting, who dramatically quit as Health Secretary last week, signalled he wanted to see Britain return to the EU in a speech on Saturday.
The Blairite also declared he will stand in any Labour leadership contest.
Mr Burnham sought to play down his own stated support for rejoining the bloc as he took part in a media blitz across the weekend.
He insisted there was a 'long-term case' for advocating to join the EU, but insisted he was not campaigning on that issue in the by-election.
Nigel Farage has branded the Greater Manchester Mayor 'open borders Burnham'.
The Reform leader told the Mail: 'It's obvious Andy Burnham wants to say one thing to Labour voters in Makerfield while telling Labour MPs something entirely different as he positions himself for power.
'Reform will ensure the voters know exactly where Burnham stands on rejoining the EU.'
Nigel Farage has branded the Greater Manchester Mayor 'open borders Burnham'