🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Return Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Significant Hurdles in the Selection Process A number of members on the party's ruling NEC have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are anxious to head off any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have mobilised following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many 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 possibly contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only re-enter 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, said to journalists: "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 allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £500,000 in party funding from other crucial elections 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 expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would simply reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union stated: "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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to mount a strong campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Significant Hurdles in the Selection Process A number of members on the party's ruling NEC have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is primarily due to the sizable number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are anxious to head off any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have mobilised following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and electoral danger of a subsequent mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many 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 possibly contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only re-enter 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Public Approval Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are not in his favour—and then win the byelection against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's resignation was finalised, said to journalists: "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 allegedly cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert around £500,000 in party funding from other crucial elections 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 expressed concerns about Nigel Farage’s party potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. Yet, one Burnham ally counselled against presuming the NEC would simply reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, sources suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader of the Fire Brigades Union stated: "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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is expected to mount a strong campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it untenable for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an offensive online group.