🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Mayor's Commons Comeback Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Significant Barriers in the Selection Procedure A number of members on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have reportedly predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are desperate to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable 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 national ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his current role 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," a source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole senior Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 NEC members have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy 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 permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to launch a significant challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure 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 not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Significant Barriers in the Selection Procedure A number of members on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have reportedly predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are desperate to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable 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 national ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his current role 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," a source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole senior Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 NEC members have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy 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 permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to launch a significant challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure 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 not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.