Suspended Labour MP Rachael Maskell backs Andy Burnham for party leadership amid speculation over Starmer challenge

Ms. Maskell, who led a backbench rebellion against controversial welfare reforms, told LBC: "One day I truly believe that Andy Burnham would make a fantastic Prime Minister for our country.

"I supported him in 2015 for that role, and I certainly would again... He’s accomplished incredible work in Manchester, and I think from his interview, it’s clear he’s a proud Mancunian with that legacy. He wants the rest of the country to share in that benefit."

Praising Burnham’s record as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Ms. Maskell added: [Manchester has] the strongest economy in the country, with a connected public transport system, building the necessary housing, and addressing issues like homelessness. But he wants to do more.

"Some of that frustration comes from the Westminster government not being fully operational, prioritizing other matters.

"I think he’s suggesting, let’s extend the Mancunian way across the rest of the country, and if it’s working, let’s do that."

Speaking after some suspended Labour politicians regained the whip last week, Ms. Maskell confirmed that she was still sitting as an independent.

She said: "I’m absolutely thrilled that John McDonnell and Apsana Begum are back in the Labour Party. They are politicians who embody true Labour values and advocate for their constituents. It’s a very positive sign.

"And obviously, I and the other four colleagues who have been suspended, are very hopeful that our whip will be restored soon because we are fundamentally Labour and uphold those values."

When asked by Matt about Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial plan to introduce mandatory ID cards in Britain, the Yorkshire-based MP expressed skepticism about the plan.

She quipped: "I have to say, I’ve never once in my 10 years as an MP heard ID cards being mentioned on the doorstep. And I represent a kind of post-industrial city constituency, so I’m not quite sure where that’s coming from.

"Whether you’re producing paper documentation or electronic documentation, people are working without the appropriate documentation, so I can’t see how that would change the situation."