The madness has to end. The progressive side of politics in the UK faces two crises. The first is the possible decimation of the Labour party after the next election. The second is a prospective Reform-led government – and a Trumpian future for the country.

The best-placed figure in Britain to lead Labour out of these twin disasters is the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. The Labour party must now do what it takes to ensure that Burnham is available to be the next leader of the party and the country. This must start with an urgent statement from the party’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) saying that if Burnham wanted to fight any direct vacancy then he would be allowed through for local members to decide whether they wanted him as their candidate, alongside a timetable that allows him to enter the contest.

There are two reasons why Burnham is the best choice to lead Labour: his popularity and his plan. Unsurprisingly, the two are linked. It would be nice to think that Labour MPs would gravitate to Burnham because he has a considered view of how to transform the British state and its economy. We’ll come to that. But it’s his popularity that will motivate them.

Put plainly, Burnham is electoral gold dust. Because of who he is and what he’s done – locally........

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