🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Begin 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Return Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an upcoming by-election. Serious Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are anxious to avert any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have swung into action following the announcement 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. Last year, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role 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 supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, said to journalists: "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 prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds 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," one source said. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything seen 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 holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an upcoming by-election. Serious Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the party's powerful NEC have apparently predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are anxious to avert any potential leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have swung into action following the announcement 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. Last year, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. There has long been speculation that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role 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 supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, said to journalists: "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 prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds 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," one source said. Several insiders also expressed concerns about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be opposed to anything seen 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 holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the backbenches. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.