🔗 Share this article Starmer's Backers Begin 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Commons Re-entry Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an upcoming byelection. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's ruling NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to head off any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to stand for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would only re-enter Westminster if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make. "People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but that’s absolutely not where he is. He loves being mayor of Manchester. It would only ever be an option if felt he had something to offer," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was confirmed, said to journalists: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks Figures on the committee have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £500,000 in party funding from other crucial elections across the country. "It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this – costing us tens of thousands we don’t have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," a figure stated. A number of insiders also expressed fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union said: "It would be a democratic outrage if Andy Burnham was blocked... Our union will fiercely resist any attempts to stitch up the selection. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." By-election Battle The constituency in question holds a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to mount a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an upcoming byelection. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's ruling NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to head off any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to stand for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would only re-enter Westminster if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make. "People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but that’s absolutely not where he is. He loves being mayor of Manchester. It would only ever be an option if felt he had something to offer," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was confirmed, said to journalists: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks Figures on the committee have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £500,000 in party funding from other crucial elections across the country. "It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this – costing us tens of thousands we don’t have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," a figure stated. A number of insiders also expressed fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union said: "It would be a democratic outrage if Andy Burnham was blocked... Our union will fiercely resist any attempts to stitch up the selection. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." By-election Battle The constituency in question holds a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to mount a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.