If he does launch a leadership bid – the Daily Mirror says – the former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, is “ready to take him on”; while supporters of Andy Burnham tell the i Paper that Wednesday could be “resignation day”. According to the Telegraph, the Greater Manchester mayor is “thought to have decided on the parliamentary seat to contest in a by-election” – and could announce it “as soon as today”. But, if he is unable to stand, the Times reports that the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, has told ministers he is prepared to put his name forward – although sources in the Daily Express say this is “categorically untrue”. The Guardian says Miliband instead sees himself as “a kingmaker”. His allies say he would strike a deal for Rayner or the former transport secretary, Louise Haigh, to run as the soft-left candidate.
