🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Supporters Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Mayor's Commons Re-entry Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a concerted initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Major Barriers in the Selection Procedure Several members on the party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avoid any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to 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," a source close to Burnham remarked. 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 stands out as the only senior Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. 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 NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £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," one source said. A number of insiders also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would simply reject him, 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 biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to launch a significant campaign, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a concerted initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Major Barriers in the Selection Procedure Several members on the party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avoid any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to 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," a source close to Burnham remarked. 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 stands out as the only senior Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. 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 NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £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," one source said. A number of insiders also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would simply reject him, 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 biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to launch a significant campaign, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.