The $30 million toe in the water

Sue Gray , Sir Keir Starmer's former Chief of Staff, is helping Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham plan for the transition to power if he becomes Prime Minister.

Labour could potentially see a surge under Mr.. Burnham, if the exit polls are to be believed during the campaign.

Ms. gray is a longstanding friend of Mr . Burnham and has been helping him to reduce mutual suspicion between him and Keir Starmer.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

Tory MPs are making preparations for a snap election if Mr. Burnham wins No 10 and then decides to harness his 'honeymoon' perriod.

One Labour insider wants an election 'like a hole in the head', and another wants an 'apoplectic' PM.

Ms. Gray did not respond to a request for comment.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

If Mr. Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election and then defeats Sir Keir in a leadership contest,Tory MPs are making preparations for a snap election.

On those figures,Kemi Badenoch's party would not be the official Opposition.

Mr. burnham is still focused on the Makerfield by-election.