🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Thwart Mayor's Commons Re-entry Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a concerted initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming by-election. Significant Barriers in the Selection Process Several members on the party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avert any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role 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. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor 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," an insider claimed. A number of sources also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union said: "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 has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing 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 backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a concerted initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming by-election. Significant Barriers in the Selection Process Several members on the party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avert any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role 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. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor 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," an insider claimed. A number of sources also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union said: "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 has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing 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 backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.