🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Begin 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Thwart Manchester Mayor's Commons Return Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are anxious to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. 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." Financial and Political Dangers 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 divert 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," one source said. A number of insiders also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, one Burnham ally counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union stated: "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 has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to mount a significant challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses 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 leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have reportedly predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are anxious to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. 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." Financial and Political Dangers 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 divert 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," one source said. A number of insiders also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, one Burnham ally counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union stated: "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 has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to mount a significant challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses 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 leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.