🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Begin 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Block Mayor's Commons Comeback Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is largely due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avoid any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial 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 political ambitions. Last year, he caused anger within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to potentially stand for the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned 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," a supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £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. A number of sources also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything perceived 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." By-election Battle The seat in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong campaign, capitalising 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 face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is largely due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avoid any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial 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 political ambitions. Last year, he caused anger within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to potentially stand for the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned 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," a supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £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. A number of sources also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything perceived 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." By-election Battle The seat in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong campaign, capitalising 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 face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.