🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Backers Launch 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Block Mayor's Commons Return Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour 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 by-election. Major Obstacles in the Selection Process Multiple members on the party's ruling NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are keen to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly contest the party leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible 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." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection 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 insiders also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would simply 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 largest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated 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 constituency in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to launch a significant challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour 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 by-election. Major Obstacles in the Selection Process Multiple members on the party's ruling NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are keen to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly contest the party leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible 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." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection 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 insiders also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would simply 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 largest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated 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 constituency in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to launch a significant challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.