Keir Starmer's united front with Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham ahead of crunch elections

Keir Starmer's united front with Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham ahead of crunch electionsThe Prime Minister - who faces dire predictions Labour could lose up to 2,000 councillors - insisted the party would 'take nothing for granted' in May's local electionsCommentsNewsAshley Cowburn Deputy Political Editor14:34, 13 Apr 2026View ImageKeir Starmer with Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham during a visit to Greater Manchester on Monday(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)Keir Starmer attempted to present a united front with Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham today - ahead of next month's crunch local elections.‌The Prime Minister - who faces dire predictions Labour could lose up to 2,000 councillors - insisted the party would "take nothing for granted" in May's poll.‌He also dismissed the possibility that he could resign if Labour suffered heavy defeats, telling reporters he had received a “five-year mandate to change this country” in 2024. He added: “I intend to carry through that mandate.”‌Mr Starmer was joined on the visit by his former deputy, Ms Rayner, and Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham, whose bid to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election was blocked by Labour’s ruling executive committee.While the trio appeared united - sharing a joke as they sat with schoolchildren - Ms Rayner has become increasingly vocal in her criticism of the Government in recent weeks.‌READ MORE: Why Anas Sarwar thinks 'underdogs' Labour can win Scottish electionsREAD MORE: Wes Streeting warns Nigel Farage can't be trusted with the NHS - 'pack of lies'The former Deputy Prime Minister, who is often floated as a potential future leadership candidate, warned last month Labour was "running out of time" to deliver change.Addressing an event by campaign group Mainstream, Ms Ryaner said the party had come to be seen to represent "the Establishment, not working people".She also hit out at the government&#...