Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced he will seek the permission of Labour’s NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election , aiming for a return to Parliament. This follows Labour MP Josh Simons ' agreement to step aside, allowing Mr Burnham to contest the seat and challenge Sir Keir Starmer. The prime minister is facing mounting calls for him to resign following a damning set of local election results last week. On Thursday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced his resignation from Cabinet , citing a loss of confidence in the Labour leader’s stewardship. It came after four junior ministers, including Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips , resigned earlier this week. Here is Mr Burnham’s statement in full: (AFP/Getty) “I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election. “I grew up in this area and have lived here for 25 years. I care deeply about it and its people. I know they have been let down by national politics.…