🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Thwart Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Comeback Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly started a coordinated initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are keen to head off any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely re-enter 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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid 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 prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. 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 allegedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds 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. Several sources also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated 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." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to launch a strong challenge, building 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 encounter some pressure 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 far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He also remains subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly started a coordinated initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are keen to head off any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely re-enter 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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid 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 prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. 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 allegedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds 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. Several sources also expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated 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." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to launch a strong challenge, building 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 encounter some pressure 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 far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He also remains subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.