Whispers of political intrigue are swirling within the Labour Party, hinting at a potential challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. A faction, reportedly comprised of disgruntled MPs with ties to the Manchester area, is allegedly orchestrating a plan to pave the way for Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, to return to Westminster.

This alleged scheme, colorfully dubbed the "Etihad Coup" in reference to Manchester City's stadium, purportedly involves securing a seat in Parliament for Burnham, allowing him to then mount a challenge for the Labour leadership and, ultimately, the premiership. The name suggests the MPs are big Man City supporters.

The catalyst for this internal strife appears to be a series of missteps and controversies that have plagued Starmer's leadership, leaving some within the party questioning his ability to effectively lead and connect with both the public and his own parliamentary colleagues.

At the heart of the alleged plot lies the intention to persuade a current Labour MP representing a Greater Manchester constituency to step aside, creating a vacancy that Burnham could then contest and win. This would mark Burnham's return to the House of Commons after leaving in 2017 to focus on his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Should Burnham successfully return to Westminster, he would then be positioned to challenge Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party, potentially triggering a leadership contest that could reshape the political landscape of the UK.

Fueling this alleged rebellion is a group known as the "Manchester Mafia," a cohort of Labour MPs who reportedly feel slighted by Starmer's recent cabinet reshuffle. These MPs, having been either dismissed from their positions or demoted, are said to be motivated by a desire to restore their influence and challenge what they perceive as Starmer's poor judgement.

One Labour source, speaking anonymously, suggested that Starmer had alienated a significant number of Manchester-based supporters within the party, leading to the formation of this opposition group and their alleged plot. The "Etihad Coup" moniker underscores the perceived connection between these MPs and their strong ties to the Manchester area.

The MP believed to be considering stepping down to make way for Burnham is reportedly ready to do so, potentially as early as the new year. This highlights the level of discontent within the party and the willingness of some to actively support a challenge to Starmer's authority.

Adding another layer of complexity, there are concerns that Labour's central headquarters might attempt to impose a different candidate for the seat, should it become vacant. However, the "Manchester Mafia" is confident that Burnham would ultimately prevail in any such contest, demonstrating the strength of his support base.

The Gorton and Denton constituency in Greater Manchester, the seat in question, is currently held by a Labour MP with a substantial majority, making it a potentially attractive target for Burnham's return to Parliament. This safe seat would give him a firm foundation from which to launch his leadership bid.

Adding to the party's internal turmoil, another Labour MP, Lucy Powell, is emerging as a frontrunner in the race for the deputy leadership position. Powell's victory would further challenge Starmer's authority, given that he recently dismissed her from her role as Commons Leader during the reshuffle. This shows the deep division and the lack of faith many MPs have in the current leader.

This revelation of a potential coup comes after a difficult period for Starmer, marked by scandals and controversies that have raised questions about his leadership and control over the party. These challenges have emboldened his critics and fueled speculation about his long-term prospects as leader.

Adding to Starmer's woes, Clive Lewis, another Labour MP, has publicly questioned his suitability for the leadership role, further highlighting the growing dissent within the party and the lack of confidence in his ability to effectively lead the opposition.

The overall mood among Labour MPs is described as mutinous, with even senior members of Starmer's own government privately suggesting that his tenure as leader could be short-lived. This illustrates the depth of the crisis facing the party and the urgent need for Starmer to address the concerns of his colleagues.

One prominent member of the shadow cabinet expressed the need for significant changes within the party before the upcoming local elections, indicating a growing sense of urgency and the potential for further challenges to Starmer's leadership.

Olivia Blake, another Labour MP, has criticized Starmer's leadership style, suggesting a reluctance to accept dissenting opinions and a tendency to isolate himself from criticism. This underscores the perception that Starmer is out of touch with the concerns of his party and unwilling to engage in constructive dialogue.

Blake further criticized the recent reshuffle, describing it as a move to "throw half the people out of the bunker," suggesting that Starmer is prioritizing loyalty over competence and further alienating members of his own party.

Despite speculation about her intentions, Lucy Powell has denied that her bid for the deputy leadership is intended as a challenge to Starmer's authority. She maintains that her focus is on fulfilling the responsibilities of the deputy leader role and working to strengthen the party.

Similarly, the MP who is rumored to be stepping down to create a vacancy for Burnham has denied any such plans. This highlights the sensitivity surrounding the situation and the reluctance of individuals to publicly acknowledge their involvement in any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership.

A source close to Andy Burnham has also denied any involvement in a plot to oust Starmer, further emphasizing the secrecy and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that are reportedly taking place within the Labour Party.

The situation within the Labour Party remains fluid and uncertain, with the potential for significant shifts in leadership and direction in the coming months. The alleged "Etihad Coup" highlights the deep divisions and simmering discontent within the party, posing a significant challenge to Starmer's authority and his ability to unite the opposition.

The Labour Party's internal struggles are likely to continue to dominate headlines and shape the political landscape as the party grapples with questions of leadership, direction, and its ability to effectively challenge the Conservative government.