Andy Burnham

Burnham has publicly stated Thames Water should be nationalised, framing public ownership of water companies as a live option under any future leadership he might lead.

Burnham called for Thames Water nationalisation and said public ownership of water companies would be an option under a potential leadership bid.

Burnham is debating Reform UK's controversy-hit candidate Kenyon at the first Makerfield by-election hustings, making the contest a high-profile proxy battle for Labour versus Reform in the North.

The Greater Manchester mayor has given an exclusive interview signalling he would move immediately on social care reform if he became prime minister, positioning himself ahead of a possible Labour leadership contest after the Makerfield by-election.