🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Drive to Thwart Mayor's Commons Comeback Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure A number of members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are keen to avoid any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he caused anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return 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. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting 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." Costs and Risks 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 redirect 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," a figure stated. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as interference from Downing Street. The general secretary 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 holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to mount 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 some pressure from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure A number of members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are keen to avoid any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he caused anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return 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. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting 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." Costs and Risks 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 redirect 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," a figure stated. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as interference from Downing Street. The general secretary 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 holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to mount 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 some pressure from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.