00:01Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham has backed Andy Burnham to stand in Labour's
00:06makerfield by-election, saying the party needs a serious contest over its future direction.
00:12Mr Rotherham says Labour achievements in government have been overshadowed by what
00:16he called chaos, drift and a lack of clarity. He says Mr Burnham could reconnect the party
00:21with communities beyond Westminster and bring support together at a moment.
00:26The Greater Manchester Mayor is seen by some as a possible Labour leader, though it remains
00:32unclear whether his popularity in the north would translate into wider backing among MPs.
00:38The former new Labour Minister has competed for the party leadership twice before.
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