🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Return Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to head off any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he caused outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would only re-enter Westminster 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure 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 reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection 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," a figure stated. Several insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty 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 permission to run. There is also speculation the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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 seat in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to launch a strong challenge, 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 some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. 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 viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a coordinated campaign to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an upcoming by-election. Serious Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently predicted it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are anxious to head off any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine reportedly mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he caused outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is aiming for a seat in the Commons to potentially stand for the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his current role and would only re-enter Westminster 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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure 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 reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection 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," a figure stated. Several insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty 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 permission to run. There is also speculation the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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 seat in question has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to launch a strong challenge, 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 some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. 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 viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.