Andy Burnham set to postpone North Sea decision until after showdown with Zack Polanski's Greens

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Labour donor Dale Vince reveals why he has made a U-turn on Net Zero

The Holborn & St Pancras vote will take place on October 8 and is expected to be a two-horse race between Labour and the Greens

Andy Burnham is set to postpone a decision on a controversial North Sea gas field until after a crucial by-election in Sir Keir Starmer’s old seat, it has been claimed.

The Prime Minister was urged not to delay the decision on Jackdaw, a gas field that could be supplying British homes by winter.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski is standing, and he accused the Prime Minister of wanting to keep the Jackdaw decision “under wraps” until after the result.

The Jackdaw field contains the equivalent of 200 million barrels of oil, but work has been frozen after a legal challenge on climate grounds.

An announcement was expected early next week, but Whitehall sources have told the Telegraph it will be put back.

Mr Polanski claimed Mr Burnham's Government was likely to approve the field but did not want to reveal this before the by-election.

He said: “Labour are running scared and have started the campaign with an act of dishonesty and betrayal.

“They are clearly going to allow new drilling in the North Sea but want to keep it under wraps during a by-election where they know the public want tougher action on climate, not backsliding.”

Labour said no timeline had been given and stated it would not comment on speculation.

Shadow Energy Secretary, Andrew Bowie, told Mr Burnham that any postponement “would be nothing short of you placing the interests of the Labour party before the interests of Great Britain”.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Bowie said: “I am writing due to the concerns I have at suggestions that you are about to delay the decision on the Jackdaw gas field until after the conference recess and Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

“If this is the case, it would be nothing short of you placing the interests of the Labour Party before the interests of Great Britain.

“If approved now, gas could start flowing directly into the British gas grid by winter – reducing our reliance on expensive imports, securing jobs and sending a signal Britain is open for business.

“However, the uncertainty, the dither and the delay is killing confidence in our energy industry and is costing the country dear.

“It has been understood for some time now that a decision is imminent.

"There is absolutely no acceptable reason to postpone a decision any further."

He added: “There must be no more delay. Get Britain drilling.”

The by-election, sparked by Sir Keir’s resignation as an MP, is predicted to be a contest between Mr Polanksi and Labour candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali.

It has long been considered a Labour stronghold, but the Green Party has been making up ground.

The fates of Jackdaw, along with Rosebank, Britain’s largest untapped oil field, have become increasingly politically charged.

Industry bodies and unions say they are vital for the economy and energy security.

Gas prices have hit a four-year high and business leaders have warned storage levels are low ahead of winter, both in Europe and the UK.

But climate activists insist the environmental costs of drilling are too high.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband once labelled Rosebank “climate vandalism”.

The last day of Parliament is on Tuesday, before it rises for conference season.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it would not comment on speculation.

A spokesman said: “The North Sea remains a vital national asset and oil and gas will continue to play an important role in our energy system for decades to come – alongside transitioning to clean power to protect jobs and tackle the climate crisis.

“Any decision will take into account all relevant evidence, including environmental assessments and public representations received during the consultation process.”