🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Mayor's Commons Return Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several members on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (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 significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he caused anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking 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 NEC members 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 an estimated £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. Several insiders also shared fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, one Burnham ally warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived 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 constituency in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to mount a significant campaign, capitalising 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 support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several members on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (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 significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the announcement of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he caused anger within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking 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 NEC members 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 an estimated £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. Several insiders also shared fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, one Burnham ally warned against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived 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 constituency in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to mount a significant campaign, capitalising 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 support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.