🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Mayor's Parliamentary Re-entry Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple members on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any planning, stating he is passionate about his current role 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," a supporter stated. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, 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 prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with 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 considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under 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 initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple members on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any planning, stating he is passionate about his current role 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," a supporter stated. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, 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 prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with 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 considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his membership in an offensive online group.