🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Commons Re-entry Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to parliament. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process A number of figures on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would only re-enter national politics 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 supporter stated. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources 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 personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in campaign funds 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," one source said. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to deteriorating mental 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 offensive online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to parliament. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process A number of figures on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would only re-enter national politics 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 supporter stated. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources 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 personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in campaign funds 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," one source said. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to deteriorating mental 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 offensive online group.