Keir Starmer's Supporters Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Block Mayor's Commons Re-entry
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a concerted effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to parliament. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending byelection.
Significant Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Process
Multiple members on the party's ruling NEC have apparently predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are anxious to head off any future leadership challenge.
The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester.
Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns
Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership.
It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role 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.
Political Landscape and Poll Ratings
Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole senior Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings.
Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge.
Efforts to Block Burnham
High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister himself said that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible 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."
Financial and Political Dangers
NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around ÂŁ500,000 in party funding 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," a figure stated.
A number of insiders also expressed fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy created 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 approval to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination.
However, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it.
The unions occupy a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated 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."
Electoral Challenges
The seat in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a significant challenge, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from independent candidates.
If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the parliamentary party.
The resigning 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 parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.
