🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Halt Andy Burnham' Campaign to Block Mayor's Commons Re-entry Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to parliament. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Barriers in the Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine is said to have sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in party funding 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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders 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 expected to mount a strong campaign, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from independent candidates. 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 regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental 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 offensive online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to parliament. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Barriers in the Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine is said to have sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in party funding 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," an insider claimed. A number of insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders 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 expected to mount a strong campaign, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from independent candidates. 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 regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental 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 offensive online group.