🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Block Manchester Mayor's Commons Return Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Major Hurdles in the Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avert any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor 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," one ally said. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by key allies 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 potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation 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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity 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 campaign funds 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 sources also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling 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." By-election Battle The seat in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to mount a significant campaign, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, 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 viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Major Hurdles in the Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avert any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor 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," one ally said. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by key allies 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 potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation 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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity 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 campaign funds 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 sources also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling 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." By-election Battle The seat in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to mount a significant campaign, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, 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 viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.