🔗 Share this article Starmer's Backers Initiate 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Thwart Mayor's Commons Re-entry Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avoid any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he caused consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely re-enter 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 supporter stated. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was confirmed, 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 pointed to not only personal opposition 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 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," one source said. A number of insiders also shared concerns about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling 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." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a sizable Labour lead. 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. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle 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 health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated initiative to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to avoid any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he caused consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely re-enter 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 supporter stated. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was confirmed, 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 pointed to not only personal opposition 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 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," one source said. A number of insiders also shared concerns about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling 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." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a sizable Labour lead. 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. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle 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 health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.