• See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source

Cross-party talks on social care got off to a rocky start on Wednesday as Andy Burnham was accused of an Establishment stitch-up.

The Prime Minister is determined to push for a political consensus on social care in a bid to find a lasting solution.

But Tory sources accused him of staging a stunt after he gave just 18 hours' notice to hold a tripartite meeting with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

And Reform UK leader Nigel Farage condemned the move after his party was snubbed, accusing the Prime Minister of 'conspiring behind closed doors with the failed political Establishment'.

The meeting was held at such short notice that Tory leader Kemi Badenoch was unable to rearrange a prior engagement and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey had to dial in from holiday abroad.

One Tory source said: 'If Burnham was serious about working cross-party he would have given us more than 18 hours' notice for a 30-minute meeting during recess and the invitation wouldn't have been immediately press-released.

'It's almost like it's only being done for show.'

Mr Burnham defended the arrangement, saying the Conservatives and Lib Dems had responded positively to the idea of talks.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham was accused of an Establishment stich-up after giving little notice to cross-party talks on social care

Cabinet minister Angela Rayner on Wednesday night signalled a softening of approach, saying: 'The PM wants to have everyone involved.

'I am happy to engage with anyone, whether that is a Reform MP or a Green MP.'