🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Begin 'Halt Andy Burnham' Campaign to Block Manchester Mayor's Commons Re-entry Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a coordinated campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process Several figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are keen to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would solely 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 Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking 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 allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection 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," an insider claimed. Several insiders also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union stated: "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 UK is expected to launch a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a coordinated campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process Several figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are keen to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would solely 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 Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking 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 allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection 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," an insider claimed. Several insiders also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union stated: "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 UK is expected to launch a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.