🔗 Share this article Starmer's Backers Begin 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Mayor's Parliamentary Return Close associates of Prime Minister 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 the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending byelection. Significant Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are anxious to avoid any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely return 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. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform and independent candidates, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have said that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential 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 animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect 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," a figure stated. Several sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything seen as interference from Downing Street. The leader 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 constituency in question holds a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous 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 bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister 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 the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending byelection. Significant Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are anxious to avoid any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely return 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. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform and independent candidates, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have said that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential 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 animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect 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," a figure stated. Several sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything seen as interference from Downing Street. The leader 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 constituency in question holds a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous 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 bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.