Sir Andy Burnham has spoken about the strain politics placed on his relationship with Sir Keir Starmer after the prime minister blocked him from returning to the Commons earlier this year. Speaking on a podcast, the Greater Manchester mayor said such episodes are part of political life rather than personal, though he acknowledged the experience was difficult at the time. The comments shed light on the tension between the two Labour figures, who have a long history of rivalry and cooperation.

In January, Starmer, then prime minister, voted with other Labour National Executive Committee members to reject Burnham's bid to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Burnham told the "How To Fail with Elizabeth Day" podcast that while he found the block "hard" and would always voice his views on it, he continued working with Starmer afterwards, including attending joint events. He also reflected on his failed leadership bids against Ed Miliband in 2010 and later challenges to Starmer, saying losing out on the top job ultimately made him a stronger, more independent politician after he returned to Manchester to become mayor.