🔗 Share this article Starmer's Backers Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Return Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Obstacles in the Selection Process A number of members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and electoral danger of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only return national politics 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. Political Landscape and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any potential leadership challenge. 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 tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was finalised, said to journalists: "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 animosity 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 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. Several sources also shared concerns about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would simply reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen 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." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes 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 launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming byelection. Serious Obstacles in the Selection Process A number of members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and electoral danger of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only return national politics 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. Political Landscape and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any potential leadership challenge. 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 tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was finalised, said to journalists: "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 animosity 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 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. Several sources also shared concerns about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would simply reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen 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." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes 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 launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.