- Dame Emily Thornberry is considering standing for Labour's deputy leadership, following Angela Rayner's resignation over stamp duty issues.
- The deputy leadership contest is seen as a critical moment for the Labour government, facing a significant challenge from the rise of Reform UK.
- Both Dame Emily Thornberry and Andy Burnham have urged Sir Keir Starmer to listen more to backbenchers and party members.
- Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, expressed concerns about the balance of Sir Keir's cabinet and called for a less factional, more pluralistic party management style.
- The contest is being viewed by some as a referendum on Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
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