Andy Burnham's gamble to get back into Parliament has edged closer after Labour chiefs decided not to block his latest bid. Members of the powerful National Executive Council (NEC) ruled the Greater Manchester Mayor will not be barred a second time this year. He has put himself forward as a candidate in Makerfield after backbencher Josh Simons announced he was stepping down, forcing a by-election. Mr Burnham is widely expected to mount a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer if he