About 200 Labour MPs gathered earlier on the steps of Westminster Hall, in the heart of Parliament, to pose for pictures with Andy Burnham after he was sworn in an as MP.
This is standard practice with any by-election winner – but this felt anything but standard.
Burnham is now widely expected to be the next Labour leader and prime minister.
And the party was keen to stage a show of unity, with ministers loyal to Sir Keir Starmer, such as Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Housing Secretary Steve Reed, rubbing shoulders with hardcore Burnham supporters like Labour chair Lucy Powell.
Many of those present will be hoping to retain their jobs or even get a promotion if – and it is still an if – Burnham succeeds in gaining the keys to Number 10.
Others may find themselves out in the cold.
It’s very early days, but here is a rundown of some of the figures who could be in line for a role in a potential Burnham government.


