Lisa Nandy defies Starmer by backing Labour leadership hopefuls Andy Burnham and Lucy Powell
Minister hails ‘fantastic’ Andy Burnham amid leadership challenge rumours
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has publicly backed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's potential return to Westminster, stating she would support him "whatever he decides to do".
- Ms Nandy also endorsed Lucy Powell in Labour's upcoming deputy leadership contest, making her the second cabinet minister, after Ed Miliband, to offer support.
- Lucy Powell, a candidate for deputy leader, criticised Sir Keir Starmer's government for "mistakes" and "unforced errors" that she believes alienate ordinary people.
- Ms Powell, who was sacked in a recent reshuffle, is currently leading in polls for the deputy leadership and urged the government to be clearer on scrapping the two-child benefit cap.
- Speculation is growing about Andy Burnham's return to Parliament, potentially via a by-election, following his launch of a new campaigning group, Mainstream, seen as a potential leadership vehicle.