🔗 Share this article Starmer's Backers Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Campaign to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Commons Comeback Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Major Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted anger within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return national politics 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole senior Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said 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, 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 Figures on the committee have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense 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 shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference from Downing Street. The general secretary 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 considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant challenge, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger 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 launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry concerning his membership in an offensive online group.
Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Major Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted anger within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return national politics 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole senior Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said 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, 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 Figures on the committee have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense 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 shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference from Downing Street. The general secretary 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 considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant challenge, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger 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 launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry concerning his membership in an offensive online group.