Andy Burnham refuted allegations that he had prior knowledge of being blocked from running in a crucial by-election. The Mayor of Greater Manchester’s aspirations for a return to Westminster were shattered when Labour’s governing body vetoed his candidacy, a decision supported by Keir Starmer and met with discontent from numerous Labour MPs.
Approximately 50 backbenchers signed a letter expressing objection to the decision, stating there was no valid reason for obstructing Mr. Burnham’s bid for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Anonymous sources close to the Prime Minister disclosed to ITV on Tuesday that Mr. Burnham had been informed ahead of seeking permission to stand that his application would be denied. Disputing these claims on his X account, Mr. Burnham asserted, “It is completely false to suggest that I was previously advised of being blocked.” He clarified that he had engaged in discussions with senior figures in Downing Street over the weekend to weigh the pros and cons of putting himself forward.
Dismissing the notion that a definitive message was relayed indicating he would be rejected, Mr. Burnham emphasized, “There was no communication suggesting I would be categorically blocked. The NEC is supposed to be impartial – this doesn’t add up.”
A spokesperson from No10 seemed to corroborate Mr. Burnham’s version, affirming, “No one from Number 10 dissuaded Andy Burnham from applying to the NEC for permission to run or hinted at any prejudgment of the NEC officers’ decision.”
On the following day, the PM argued against allowing Mr. Burnham to stand in the by-election, citing potential resource diversion due to triggering another election for the Greater Manchester mayoral post, necessitating the ex-Cabinet minister’s resignation.
Cabinet minister Steve Reed dismissed claims that the denial of Mr. Burnham’s candidacy stemmed from fears of a challenge to Mr. Starmer’s leadership, asserting that it was rational for the people of Manchester to have the mayor continue in his current role until the end of his term.
When asked about concerns related to a potential leadership challenge, he stated unequivocally, “No, it has absolutely no connection to that whatsoever.” Stressing Mr. Burnham’s commitment to serving his term, he maintained that it was reasonable for Manchester residents to expect him to fulfill his duties until the end of his tenure, describing the decision as final and settled.
