🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Backers Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Mayor's Commons Comeback Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to head off any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would solely 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 opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality 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 stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the by-election procedure 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 departure was finalised, 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £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," an insider claimed. A number of sources also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win 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 enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry concerning his membership in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly started a concerted campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to head off any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial expense and political risk of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to potentially contest the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would solely 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 opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality 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 stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the by-election procedure 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 departure was finalised, 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 Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £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," an insider claimed. A number of sources also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win 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 enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry concerning his membership in an offensive online group.