Andy Burnham is reportedly planning a swift return to Westminster with intentions to challenge Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

According to reports in The Guardian , the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester has identified several constituencies where incumbent MPs are prepared to resign, thereby triggering by-elections that could facilitate his re-entry into Parliament within weeks.

His supporters are said to be keen to avoid a formal leadership challenge against the current Labour leader.

Instead, they reportedly hope to initiate a process for Sir Keir to step aside following what are widely anticipated to be disastrous results for Labour in the May 7 elections.

This alleged manoeuvre comes after Mr Burnham was blocked earlier this year by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham at an event in Greater Manchester (Paul Ellis - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The seat became vacant after the previous MP, Andrew Gwynne,…