[4] In his official manifesto, Burnham pledged to offer "a balanced plan for a strong economy and sound public finances, providing a genuine alternative to Osborne's punishing austerity".

[9] He continued to voice his opposition to the TTIP free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States, arguing that it would undermine the National Health Service, as it would "open the floodgates" to private healthcare providers.

[20] Burnham sought to justify his failure to oppose the bill by stating that, if he had defied Harman, he would have caused a major split, consequently weakening the party.

[22] Burnham attracted press criticism for claiming £17,000 a year from the taxpayer to rent a London flat, despite owning another within walking distance of the House of Commons.

A spokesman for Burnham said that renting out the original flat was necessary to "cover his costs" as parliamentary rule changes meant he was no longer able to claim for mortgage interest expenses.

[27] This was reflected in the first opinion polls that were released days later, with Burnham holding a lead over Chuka Umunna and Yvette Cooper, although the number of undecided voters had the greatest share of the vote.