🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Mayor's Commons Re-entry Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly started a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Major Obstacles in the Selection Procedure A number of figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to avert any potential leadership challenge. The Labour party machine is said to have sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he caused outrage within No 10 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 seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides 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 possible contests for the leadership. 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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £500,000 in party funding 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 sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to mount a strong challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly started a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Major Obstacles in the Selection Procedure A number of figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to avert any potential leadership challenge. The Labour party machine is said to have sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he caused outrage within No 10 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 seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides 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 possible contests for the leadership. 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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £500,000 in party funding 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 sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference 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." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to mount a strong challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.