Greater Manchester's mayor has pulled out of his regular phone-in slot amid speculation he is preparing to launch a bid to return to Westminster.
Andy Burnham was due to appear on BBC Radio Manchester's Hotseat mid morning.
But a spokesman for the Labour politician said he had to "prioritise discussions arising from last week's elections".
Meanwhile, two local MPs who have been reported as willing to step aside to provide a pathway into Westminster for Burnham have denied claims they are preparing to give up their seats.
Afzal Khan, the MP for Rusholme, and Withington's Geoff Smith, have both said the rumours concerning them, were false.
A spokesman for Burnham told the BBC: "As you know, Andy doesn't like to miss the Hotseat.
"But this week, to get the best deal for Greater Manchester, he has to prioritise discussions arising from last week's local elections."
Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who is seen as a potential challenger to Sir Keir Starmer, said she had been cleared by HMRC of wrongdoing over her tax affairs.
She told ITV she would not make a pact with Burnham to challenge the prime minister.
"I'm not doing deals or anything like that," she said.
Supporters of Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC they expected him to challenge the PM for the Labour leadership as soon as today.
Burnham also pulled out of a speaking engagement the day after last week's local council elections.
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