ð Share this article Starmer's Supporters Begin 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Mayor's Commons Comeback Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Significant Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is largely 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 party apparatus is said to have mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but thatâs 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 Poll Ratings Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NECâwhere the chances are stacked against himâand then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed 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 stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, said to journalists: "People shouldnât 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 cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated ÂĢ500,000 in campaign funds from other crucial elections across the country. "It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this â costing us tens of thousands we donât 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 Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win 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 enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference 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. Itâs vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a significant challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending byelection. Significant Obstacles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the candidate selection procedure. This is largely 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 party apparatus is said to have mobilised following the revelation of the MP's intended resignation, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage in Downing Street and among senior ministers when he stated that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Mayor have cautioned against exaggerating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only return national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but thatâs 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 Poll Ratings Amid opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. Should Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles remain. He would need to be approved by the NECâwhere the chances are stacked against himâand then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge. Efforts to Block Burnham Senior Labour figures have said that a "Block Burnham" operation is already under way, with the party machinery being closely managed 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 stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was confirmed, said to journalists: "People shouldnât 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 cited not only personal opposition towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated ÂĢ500,000 in campaign funds from other crucial elections across the country. "It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this â costing us tens of thousands we donât 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 Reform UK attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win 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 enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference 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. Itâs vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." Electoral Challenges The constituency in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is expected to launch a significant challenge, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on firmer ground in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from independent candidates. Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He also remains subject to a standards inquiry related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.