🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Initiate 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Thwart Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Return Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to parliament. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Major Hurdles in the Selection Process A number of members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avoid any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have swung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely re-enter Westminster if he felt he had something to contribute. "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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was finalised, told reporters: "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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity 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 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. Several sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived 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 seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to launch a significant campaign, 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 face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was resigning due to declining mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to parliament. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Major Hurdles in the Selection Process A number of members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avoid any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have swung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely re-enter Westminster if he felt he had something to contribute. "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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was finalised, told reporters: "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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity 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 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. Several sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived 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 seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to launch a significant campaign, 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 face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was resigning due to declining mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.