LIVERPOOL’S Labour mayor has slammed the “gutless people” in Whitehall for making anonymous briefings to the press against Andy Burnham over his bid to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Steve Rotheram came out in support of his fellow mayor in Manchester, criticising those within the party who “help nobody but our opponents,” as far-right agitator Tommy Robinson — real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — endorsed Reform UK’s candidate in the local race.

Mr Burnham has suffered a number of negative briefings since his request to Labour’s national executive committee to stand in the by-election after Andrew Gwynne stepped down as MP for health reasons.

The NEC said finding a replacement for Mr Burnham as mayor would be too costly for the party and worried Reform UK could benefit from his departure.

After Mr Burnham was blocked, several press briefings emerged claiming the Manchester mayor had been warned he would be blocked ahead of his request.

Both Mr Burnham and PM Sir Keir Starmer have denied these.

Liverpool region mayor Mr Rotheram took to social media calling for the briefing war in Westminster to stop.

He said: “Enough already. I’ve kept my counsel so far because there were assurances from the Prime Minister that anonymous briefings against Andy Burnham would stop.

“These gutless people hide behind the cloak of anonymity — just like the keyboard warriors they rail against.

“Well, if they want to know what it took to turn devolution from a nice idea into a living, breathing, delivering reality, I’d happily debate them.”

He added: “These anonymous attacks help nobody but our opponents. For the sake of our party, please just stop.”

Sir Keir criticised the “politics of poisonous division” on Saturday after Mr Yaxley-Lennon announced his support for Reform UK’s Gorton and Denton candidate Matt Goodwin.

He also announced that Angeliki Stogia, a Manchester city councillor for Whalley Range, would run under the Labour banner for the by-election.

Mr Burnham posted on social media site showing his support for Ms Stogia, saying: “Big congrats Angeliki!

“I know you will do a great job. I will be there for you whenever you need me.”