🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Drive to Block Mayor's Parliamentary Return Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Serious Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Process Several figures on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are keen to avert any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return Westminster 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" 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 "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. 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 Figures on the committee have allegedly pointed to not only personal opposition 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," a figure stated. A number of sources also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant challenge, building on its vote 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. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed 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 involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Serious Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Process Several figures on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are keen to avert any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return Westminster 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" 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 "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. 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 Figures on the committee have allegedly pointed to not only personal opposition 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," a figure stated. A number of sources also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant challenge, building on its vote 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. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed 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 involvement in an inappropriate online group.