🔗 Share this article Starmer's Supporters Initiate 'Block Andy Burnham' Drive to Block Mayor's Commons Comeback Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Major Obstacles in the Selection Process Multiple members on the party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to head off any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly contest the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely return Westminster 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 Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against competition from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £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," an insider claimed. Several sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions 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 all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Major Obstacles in the Selection Process Multiple members on the party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to head off any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted consternation within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he stated that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the Labour leadership. There has long been speculation that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly contest the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely return Westminster 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 Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against competition from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all prior to any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham High-ranking Labour sources have indicated that a "Block Burnham" campaign is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly pointed to not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £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," an insider claimed. Several sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions 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 all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.