🔗 Share this article Starmer's Supporters Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Manchester Mayor's Commons Re-entry Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an impending by-election. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure A number of figures on the party's ruling NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are anxious to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would only return national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, 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 NEC members have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds from other key electoral battles 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. A number of sources also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union said: "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 constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a strong campaign, 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 encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an offensive online group.
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted effort to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a return to parliament. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an impending by-election. Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure A number of figures on the party's ruling NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the body who are anxious to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would only return national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "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," one ally said. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any potential leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of potential leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, 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 NEC members have allegedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds from other key electoral battles 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. A number of sources also shared fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. However, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it. The unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders suggested they would be uncomfortable with anything perceived as meddling from Downing Street. The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union said: "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 constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a strong campaign, 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 encounter some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the backbenches. The resigning MP stated he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an offensive online group.