🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Supporters Begin 'Halt Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Mayor's Commons Return Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Significant Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are anxious to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only re-enter Westminster 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. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking 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 stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was finalised, told reporters: "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 prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds 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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen 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 seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch 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 deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Significant Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are anxious to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only re-enter Westminster 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. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking 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 stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was finalised, told reporters: "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 prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds 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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen 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 seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch 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 deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.