Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned government ministers they will be required to resign if they support Andy Burnham's bid for a parliamentary seat, according to reports.

Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is seeking to enter Parliament through a by-election in Makerfield. The move has been characterized by some observers as part of broader positioning within the Labour Party, though the specific motivations and implications remain unclear from available reporting.

The reported ultimatum from Starmer to his ministerial team suggests tensions within Labour ranks over Burnham's parliamentary ambitions. However, the extent of any internal party divisions or the likelihood of ministers defying the prime minister's directive has not been established.

Burnham previously served as a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2017 before becoming mayor of Greater Manchester. His potential return to Westminster comes at a time when Labour holds a substantial parliamentary majority following their victory in the 2024 general election.

Neither Starmer's office nor representatives for Burnham have publicly confirmed the reported ultimatum or provided comment on the situation.