A Labour Member of Parliament announced his resignation on Thursday in a move that could pave the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to Westminster, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid growing unrest within the party.

Josh Simons said he would step down as MP for Makerfield, triggering a by-election in the safe Labour seat. Burnham later confirmed he plans to seek approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee to run as the party’s candidate, framing the move as a chance to bring “Greater Manchester-style” politics to the national stage.