🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Allies Launch 'Stop Andy Burnham' Campaign to Prevent Mayor's Commons Re-entry Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Significant Barriers in the Selection Process A number of members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are desperate to avoid any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor 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," a supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls suggesting 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 sole senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected 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 prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, 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 reportedly 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 around £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," one source said. A number of insiders also shared fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, one Burnham ally counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions occupy a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with 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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on support 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 independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated 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 parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Significant Barriers in the Selection Process A number of members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection process. This is largely due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are desperate to avoid any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy is said to have mobilised following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to potentially contest the party leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor 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," a supporter stated. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls suggesting 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 sole senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected 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 prior to any possible leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, 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 reportedly 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 around £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," one source said. A number of insiders also shared fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, one Burnham ally counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The unions occupy a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with 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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on support 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 independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated 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 parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.