Andy Burnham’s bid to return to Parliament has advanced as Labour leaders have permitted his candidacy in the Makerfield by-election. The National Executive Council has decided not to block the Greater Manchester Mayor from running for office for a second time this year. Burnham’s potential victory in this by-election could pave the way for a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.
The Labour Party has confirmed that Andy Burnham has been given the green light to participate in the candidate selection process for the upcoming Makerfield constituency by-election. The final decision on the Labour candidate for the by-election is expected to be made next Thursday.
Meanwhile, there is speculation about a potential Labour leadership contest, with Wes Streeting among those considering a bid. Streeting’s former ministerial aide, Rosie Wrighting, has resigned from her government role and praised Streeting’s leadership qualities. Despite calls for new leadership within Labour, Downing Street has affirmed its focus on governance.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has voiced concerns about upcoming protests in London and criticized organizers for promoting division and hatred. Amidst ongoing leadership discussions, Andy Burnham has been active, with over 80 MPs urging for change within the party.
Polling expert Sir John Curtice has warned that the upcoming by-election will be challenging, especially with Reform UK making significant gains in recent local elections. Andy Burnham’s political future may hinge on the outcome of this election, as retaining the seat for Labour will be crucial for his ambitions. Despite the risks involved, Burnham remains a strong contender with high favorability ratings across the North West.
