🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Mayor's Commons Comeback Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to parliament. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Significant Obstacles in the Selection Process A number of figures on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he caused anger within No 10 and among senior 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 challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, stating he is passionate about 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 pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures 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 personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" 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 allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor 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," a figure stated. Several insiders also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female 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 control it. The trade unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The leader 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 sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant 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 face a challenge from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to parliament. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Significant Obstacles in the Selection Process A number of figures on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he caused anger within No 10 and among senior 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 challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, stating he is passionate about 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 pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures 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 personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" 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 allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor 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," a figure stated. Several insiders also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female 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 control it. The trade unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The leader 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 sizable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant 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 face a challenge from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.