🔗 Share this article Starmer's Backers Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Mayor's Parliamentary Return Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Selection Procedure Several members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have mobilised following the announcement of the MP's planned departure, with party figures 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 Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating 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. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks NEC members have reportedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection 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 expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected 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 encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Selection Procedure Several members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have mobilised following the announcement of the MP's planned departure, with party figures 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 Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating 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. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Costs and Risks NEC members have reportedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection 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 expressed concerns about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. It is also possible the body could impose an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected 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 encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.