🔗 Share this article Starmer's Supporters Initiate 'Halt Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Commons Return Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process Several figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted 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 body who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he caused anger within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would solely return national politics if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make. "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 opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting 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." Financial and Political Dangers NEC members have allegedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £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," a figure stated. A number of insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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 seat in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face 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 requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process Several figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted 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 body who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he caused anger within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would solely return national politics if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make. "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 opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting 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." Financial and Political Dangers NEC members have allegedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £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," a figure stated. A number of insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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 seat in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face 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 requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.