🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Begin 'Halt Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Mayor's Commons Return Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Significant Hurdles in the Selection Process Multiple members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are desperate to avert any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his current role and would only re-enter 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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign 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 "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 Figures on the committee have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity 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 party funding 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 shared concerns about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources suggested 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." By-election Battle The seat in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Significant Hurdles in the Selection Process Multiple members on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly predicted it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are desperate to avert any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his current role and would only re-enter 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. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign 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 "early stages" and urged his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 Figures on the committee have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity 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 party funding 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 shared concerns about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources suggested 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." By-election Battle The seat in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a strong campaign, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry concerning his membership in an inappropriate online group.