Supporters of Andy Burnham are reportedly furious with Wes Streeting after he signalled he wanted to see Britain return to the EU, as he announced he would stand in any Labour leadership contest.
Allies of the Greater Manchester mayor believe it is a deliberate attempt to raise the issue of Brexit in the leave-voting constituency of Makerfield, where Mr Burnham is hoping to stand in the upcoming by-election.
A senior government source told The Times: “I despair. It’s like a gift to Farage. What Wes did reeks of desperation and selfishness.”
The former health secretary said leaving the EU was a “catastrophic mistake” as he stressed it was time for the UK to build a new “special relationship” with the Union.
Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, accused Mr Streeting of “re-opening the Brexit wars” in a move she found “a bit odd”.
Mr Burnham is expected to drop his call to reverse Brexit, as allies of the mayor are reported to have been told he is not going to be “going big on Europe” in his pitch to voters and the country.
Ms Nandy said the Makerfield by-election will be a "tough fight" for the Greater Manchester mayor.
