Andy Burnham beset by infighting just 60 days into power as damning leak exposes 'copy and paste' PM

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been beset with Labour infighting just 60 days into his premiership as a leak from within Downing Street reveals how Sir Keir Starmer planned to stay in power, leaving Mr Burnham to swoop in and pick up the pieces.

The leaked document shows how the former Prime Minister had a laundry list of policies drawn up to save him before his inevitable resignation, which have been adopted by Andy Burnham.

The documents are reported to show that of the 50 policy ideas included, 20 were announced by Sir Keir before his departure in July, six have already been announced by Andy Burnham, and a further eight are expected to be announced within weeks.

There are also 16 more ideas worked up by Whitehall, but were not announced by either Prime Minister, although some could be included in Mr Burnham's 10-year plan.

Former Labour political adviser John McTernan called the leak to Sky News "the last of knockings of Sir Keir Starmer's allies".

Meanwhile, Green deputy leader Rachel Millward challenged Mr Burnham to "prove" he's not running a continuity Government.

Chancellor John Healey had earlier told reporters that Mr Burnham is running a “continuity” Government, just with a change of leader - a statement that was met with backlash after the party had made an effort to distance itself from Sir Keir's Government.

Andy Burnham had campaigned in Makerfield under the guise of a new Labour that would put money back into people's pockets, however with no general election, he is bound to fulfil the party manifesto from 2024.

Conservative shadow minister Saqib Bhatti said the documents only further prove that Mr Burnham "is the 'copy and paste' Prime Minister".

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John Healey to push for closer EU partnership on tech, defence and manufacturing in race against China

Chancellor John Healey will press EU finance ministers not to shut the UK out of a plan to protect the bloc’s industries from unfair competition as he meets counterparts in Dublin today.

He will push for closer partnerships on tech, defence and manufacturing at the Ecofin meeting.

And he is set to appeal to the EU to design its made in Europe procurement agenda in a way that “lands a good deal for all” instead of “erecting new barriers”, according to Treasury sources.

He will also tell his counterparts it is important to “learn lessons” after the collapse of talks on the prospect of the UK joining the EU defence loans scheme, security action for Europe (Safe).

The made in Europe scheme, which is progressing through the European Parliament as part of its industrial accelerator act, is designed to protect the continent’s manufacturing from global competition, especially from China.

It would give EU firms priority for public contracts and subsidies.

Mr Healey said: “The next chapter of Britain’s growth story will be written in more places.

“To me, closer ties with the EU means British businesses – wherever they are based across the UK – get better access to both the supply chains and the customers they need to grow.”

Irish PM to become first world leader to visit No10 North today

Ireland's Prime Minister will become the first international leader to visit Number 10 North later today.

Andy Burnham will host Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Manchester, which he described as a "historic moment and a proud day" for the city.

It will be the first time the two leaders have met, and the pair are expected to discuss how they can strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Andy Burnham said: "There is so much we can achieve together: from our shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, to trade, to working with Europe and supporting Ukraine.

"We are the closest of friends, and I look forward to further strengthening that friendship."