Mystery as Andy Burnham PULLS OUT of major speech billed as leadership challenge to Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham has mysteriously pulled out of a keynote speech he was meant to deliver on Friday morning.

The Greater Manchester Mayor - amid heightened rumours of a leadership challenge to the Prime Minister - had been set to address the second annual Festival of Childhood in Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum on Friday.

But at the last moment this evening, organisers said Mr Burnham was out - with no reason given as to why.

A spokesman for the children's commissioner's office confirmed that Mr Burnham would not be attending the event at all.

The last-ditch exit came just as reports emerged Ed Miliband had called on Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timeline for his departure amid concerns he will be forced out of Downing Street.

Sources close to the Energy Secretary told The Times he made the suggestion during a private meeting with Sir Keir about a fortnight ago.

And mere days ago, it was claimed Mr Burnham had hatched a plan to return to Westminster within weeks - and wants to challenge the Prime Minister directly.

More to follow...