🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Block Manchester Mayor's Commons Return Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an upcoming by-election. Significant Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are anxious to avert any potential leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only return national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "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 Amid 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 prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was finalised, 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 NEC members have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in party funding from other key electoral battles 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. Several sources also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as interference 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 has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is expected to mount a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, 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 resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an upcoming by-election. Significant Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are anxious to avert any potential leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only return national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "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 Amid 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 prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was finalised, 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 NEC members have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in party funding from other key electoral battles 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. Several sources also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as interference 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 has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is expected to mount a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, 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 resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.