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Hello and welcome to this edition of The Westminster Hour with me, Ben Wright and my guests.

Coming up, Sarkier Stama faced a lose-lose situation over Andy Burnham,

allow him to seek the Labour candidacy in a forthcoming by-election and clear the path for a

potential challenger to return to Westminster or block him and appear weak. Well, the party's

ruling body has made its decision and the Greater Manchester Mayor won't be standing to become an MP.

We'll hear from his supporters and those who think he'd be an unwelcome distraction if he were in Parliament.

The Prime Minister will be swapping political headaches at home for a high-stakes trip overseas to China.

Is this the right time to be seeking closer ties?

We'll discuss that too and the turmoil within the NATO alliance caused by Donald Trump.

And I've been speaking exclusively to the first civil service commissioner, Baroness Giesler-Stewart,

about recent criticism of the civil service and whether it's up to the job of modern government.

But before that, let's meet my panel.

Joe White came into Parliament at the last election as the MP for Batterslaw. The seat was previously held by her husband, John Mann. Joe is the

founder and chair of the Red Wall group of Labour backbenchers lobbying the government to focus on

issues like immigration, anti-social behaviour and the cost of living to try and keep

their seats from falling.

To reform, Joe joins us down the line.

Good evening to you, Joe.

Good evening.

Good to have you with us.

Nigel Huddleston represents Droitwich and Evesham.

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