The war for Burnham’s ear: politicians and wonks fight for influence over a PM

There is high emotion, a deluge of policy papers and an ‘excruciating’ jostle for jobs as Labour’s probable next leader settles back into Westminster life As well as being the most popular politician in the country – for now – Andy Burnham is also the most popular man at Westminster. Labour MPs, the unions, Whitehall civil servants, political advisers and thinktanks are all among those battling for the ear of the next prime minister. “There are so many different demands all at once. But the s...

By Pippa Crerar and Rowena Mason