We must respect election results, says Andy Burnham

Health Secretary Andy Burnham today put himself at the head of a growing Labour revolt over a coalition with the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Burnham spoke out as several "big beasts" in the party warned that a Lib-Lab pact would be unstable and defy the wishes of the electorate.

In a significant move, he became the first Cabinet minister to come out and explicitly reject the idea that Gordon Brown could cling to office.

"I think we have got to respect the results of the general election and we can't get away from the fact that Labour didn't win," Mr Burnham told BBC Radio 4's World at One.

When asked about David Blunkett's description of the Lib-Dems as "harlots", Mr Burnham said: "David has spoken with real authority on this matter."

The Standard has learned that the Health Secretary raised his concerns at the Cabinet meeting last night. He warned colleagues that the voters had spoken and there could be a real "backlash" among the public against any attempt by Labour to stay in office.

Left-wing champion Jon Cruddas warned against talks being held that excluded backbenchers and the Left, while Diane Abbott predicted such a coalition could destroy the party. She said: "The Labour movement has been here before. It destroyed the Labour party for a generation. This time it could be for good."

John Reid, a former home secretary, said: "It would be mutually assured destruction. If we appear to be snubbing the electorate, we will rue the day."

Cabinet Office Minister Tessa Jowell defended the talks. She said: "I think that people would accept that it is our obligation to try to provide a stable government for the country."