Labour allows Andy Burnham to run for selection in pivotal by-election

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been cleared to seek selection as Labour's candidate in a by-election which could pave the way for him to return to Westminster. The mayor has been given the go-ahead by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC), which blocked his previous attempt to stand in a by-election in January. If he is selected as the candidate in Makerfield, in the north-west of England, and goes on to win, Burnham is widely expected to try to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister. The prime minister is continuing to resist calls to stand down and set a timetable for his departure and is expected to fight any challenge from Burnham or other likely contenders. The Makerfield constituency became vacant on Thursday, when Labour MP Josh Simons said he would resign to make way for Burnham. The BBC understands the by-election is likely to take place on 18 June. On Friday, the prime minister was in a police control centre in London but did not take questions from the media. Steve Reed, the housing secretary and an ally of the PM, said: "It's been a very difficult week but we need to take a breath now, take this weekend to reflect on what's going on, and come