Greater Manchester MP Angela Rayner has denied reports that her supports are lining her up for the Labour leadership if the party fails to win the Batley and Spen by election taking place today

She tweeted “The ‘story’ on the front page of @thetimes tomorrow is news to me.” Her spokesperson adds: “Anybody who is doing that is not doing it under instructions from Angela or with Angela’s backing. She is also perfectly capable of speaking for herself and doesn’t need anyone to claim to speak for her.”

According to the paper, supporters of Angela Rayner are openly discussing her challenging Kier Starmer if Labour loses today. A “close ally” of Rayner tells the paper: “There’s definitely been people sounding out the possibility — it’s clear she’d easily reach 40 nominations — and urging her to run if the worst happens in Batley.”

The Times says the Unite union would back a bid to oust Starmer and quotes a Corbynite saying: “Angela’s people are speaking to a number of comrades.

Rayner is not the only one linked to the top job if Labour lose today with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy, veteran Yvette Cooper and left-wing hope Dawn Butler all linked with the top job in recent days

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