Keir Starmer aides ‘war gaming’ over leadership contest with Andy Burnham

Prime minister is ‘hellbent’ on fighting any contest - including sacking ministers who support Burnham

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Keir Starmer’s closest aides are “war-gaming” how to win a leadership contest ahead of Andy Burnham’s much-anticipated return to Westminster if he wins the Makerfield byelection, the Guardian understands.

Downing Street sources said the prime minister had taken the last fortnight to think seriously about his future but was now “hellbent” on fighting any contest. His team is working through various scenarios, including sacking ministers who publicly supported Burnham.