🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Begin 'Block Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Comeback Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Serious Obstacles in the Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor 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 supporter stated. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles 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 before 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 machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible 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." 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 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," one source said. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK 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 run. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference from Downing Street. The leader 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 constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to mount a strong challenge, 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 face a challenge from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry related to his membership in an offensive online group.
Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Serious Obstacles in the Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor 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 supporter stated. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles 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 before 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 machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible 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." 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 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," one source said. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK 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 run. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference from Downing Street. The leader 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 constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to mount a strong challenge, 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 face a challenge from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry related to his membership in an offensive online group.