🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Mayor's Commons Re-entry Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an impending byelection. Major Hurdles in the Selection Procedure A number of figures on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avoid any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only re-enter 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, said to journalists: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks NEC members have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £500,000 in party funding 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," a figure stated. A number of sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against assuming 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 opposed to 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 seat in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to launch a significant challenge, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. If 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 backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an impending byelection. Major Hurdles in the Selection Procedure A number of figures on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avoid any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only re-enter 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, said to journalists: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks NEC members have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £500,000 in party funding 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," a figure stated. A number of sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against assuming 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 opposed to 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 seat in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to launch a significant challenge, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. If 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 backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.