Read our Privacy noticeAndy Burnham has insisted he was in a “better position than anybody” to beat Reform UK in the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton, days after he was blocked from standing for the seat. The Greater Manchester mayor was prevented from running by Labour’s NEC committee amid widespread speculation he was plotting a leadership bid. The decision to block Mr Burnham has deepened divisions within Labour, with some concerned the party could lose the seat to Reform UK or the Green Party. Speaking about Reform UK, he said Nigel Farage’s party “threatens” what he “has built in Greater Manchester” as mayor. As I say, I think it could have created a more positive path for everybody, including the prime minister, including the government.”