🔗 Share this article Starmer's Supporters Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Block Manchester Mayor's Commons Return Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process Several figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avoid any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet 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 numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any planning, stating he is passionate about his current role 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," a source close to Burnham remarked. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting 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." Financial and Political Dangers NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert 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. Several sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling 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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a strong challenge, 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 face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should 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 regarded with caution by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process Several figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avoid any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet 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 numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any planning, stating he is passionate about his current role 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," a source close to Burnham remarked. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting 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." Financial and Political Dangers NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert 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. Several sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling 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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a strong challenge, 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 face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should 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 regarded with caution by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.