Starmer's Backers Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Comeback
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election.
Significant Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Procedure
A number of members on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership.
The Labour party machine is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester.
Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns
Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership.
It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting 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 thatās 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.
Political Landscape and Poll Ratings
Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public.
Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NECāwhere the chances are stacked against himāand 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" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister himself commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership.
Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was finalised, said to journalists: "People shouldnāt rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester."
Financial and Political Dangers
NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert around Ā£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 ā costing us tens of thousands we donāt have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," a figure stated.
A number of sources also shared concerns about Nigel Farageās party attempting to fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them.
Union Influence and Procedural Fears
As a publicly 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 block his nomination.
However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it.
The trade unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources indicated 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. Itās vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure."
Electoral Challenges
The constituency in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a strong campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents.
If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches.
The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.
