🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Block Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Comeback Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Hurdles in the Selection Process A number of figures on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a subsequent 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 anger in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the party leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure was confirmed, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert 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. A number of insiders also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The trade unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question holds a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a strong campaign, building on its vote 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. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Hurdles in the Selection Process A number of figures on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a subsequent 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 anger in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the party leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure was confirmed, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert 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. A number of insiders also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The trade unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question holds a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a strong campaign, building on its vote 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. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.