Labour’s ruling body has blocked Andy Burnham from running in an upcoming by-election. The Greater Manchester Mayor expressed his desire to compete for the Gorton & Denton seat, aiming to return to Westminster. However, a majority of Labour’s National Executive Committee, including Keir Starmer, voted to prevent Burnham from running in a brief meeting. Only Deputy Leader Lucy Powell supported Burnham’s candidacy.
This decision has sparked a rift within Labour ranks, with some advocating for Burnham’s right to stand while others are critical of his perceived leadership ambitions. Notable party figures such as Ed Miliband, Lucy Powell, Angela Rayner, and Sadiq Khan voiced support for Burnham’s candidacy.
Critics have raised concerns about the financial implications of holding a by-election to replace Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor. They argue that Labour should focus its resources on the Gorton by-election and upcoming crucial elections in Scotland, Wales, and English local councils.
In response to the decision, Labour stated that allowing Burnham to run would have strained party resources ahead of the other elections and reiterated their confidence in retaining the mayoralty. The party emphasized Burnham’s effective leadership in Greater Manchester and underscored the need to prioritize addressing the cost of living crisis.
The Home Secretary and NEC chair, Shabana Mahmood, urged party members to unite and avoid engaging in internal conflicts resembling those of the Conservative Party. She emphasized the importance of presenting a united front to the public.
The by-election arose following MP Andrew Gwynne’s resignation from Parliament due to health reasons. Gwynne, who won the seat for Labour in 2024, faced controversies leading to his suspension from the party. The upcoming by-election is expected to be challenging for Labour due to their polling numbers and the growing support for Reform UK and the Green Party.
