🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Backers Begin 'Halt Andy Burnham' Campaign to Block Mayor's Parliamentary Re-entry Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are keen to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any planning, stating 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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should 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 secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, 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 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," an insider claimed. A number of sources also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated 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 seat in question holds a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to launch a significant campaign, 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 a challenge from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are keen to head off any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a return to parliament to possibly stand for the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any planning, stating 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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should 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 secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, 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 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," an insider claimed. A number of sources also expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated 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 seat in question holds a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to launch a significant campaign, 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 a challenge from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.