Angela Rayner tells Labour MPs she is prepared to seek the party leadership if Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham does not return to Westminster in time, according to reporting. The account says Rayner has, in recent days, indicated she could back Burnham in a leadership contest, but only if he is able to meet any timing requirements for the role. If Burnham fails to get back to Parliament in time, Rayner says she is ready to stand herself, the reports add. The coverage frames Rayner’s comments as a contingency plan within Labour, linking her potential next steps to Burnham’s availability and timetable. The reports also indicate Rayner’s position is being discussed among Labour MPs, suggesting her leadership stance is already a subject of internal consideration. No additional details are provided in the supplied material on the specific deadlines, the trigger for any leadership challenge, or the next steps for the party’s procedures.