Keir Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Effort to Thwart Mayor's Parliamentary Comeback
Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly started a concerted campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to the House of Commons. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming by-election.
Serious Barriers in the Selection Procedure
Multiple members on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are keen to head off any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership.
The Labour hierarchy is said to have mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester.
Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet
Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the Labour leadership.
It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return national politics 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.
Current Climate and Poll Ratings
Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public.
If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against competition from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge.
The 'Stop Andy' Campaign
Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges.
Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation 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
NEC members 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 redirect around £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," a figure stated.
Several sources also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them.
Union Influence and Procedural Fears
Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy.
However, one Burnham ally counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it.
The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as interference 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."
By-election Battle
The constituency in question holds a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to mount a significant campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents.
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 not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches.
The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
