Wes Streeting, the health secretary, described Mr Lewis's offer as "peculiar" and implied it was disrespectful to his voters.

Mr Streeting, who himself has had to deny claims he was considering a leadership challenge against the prime minister - told LBC: "I think it's a bit of a peculiar thing for Clive to have said to his own constituents - 'Oh, well, I'm not interested in being your MP, I'm happy to do a deal with someone'.

"I would just say from personal experience, don't take your voters for granted. We spend a bit too much time on this personality politics stuff."

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham (Image: Danny Lawson)

Mr Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has also responded to Mr Lewis's offer, saying he "appreciates the support” of the Norwich MP but would not be taking up his offer.

Mr Lewis made the remarks on the BBC’s Politics Live on Wednesday.

He said he had spoken to Mr Burnham, and when asked if he would........

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