🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Drive to Block Mayor's Commons Re-entry Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have swung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among senior 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 return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would solely re-enter 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 supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, 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 challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting 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 opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor 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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would simply 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 keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as interference 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a strong challenge, 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 pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have swung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among senior 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 return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would solely re-enter 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 supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, 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 challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting 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 opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor 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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would simply 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 keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as interference 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a strong challenge, 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 pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.