🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Backers Launch 'Halt Andy Burnham' Drive to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Comeback Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an impending byelection. Major Barriers in the Selection Process Several members on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are keen to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he caused consternation 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 aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return 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," one ally said. Political Landscape and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures 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 commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, 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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in party funding 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," one source said. Several insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The trade unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant 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 a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should 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 regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly kicked off a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a return to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an impending byelection. Major Barriers in the Selection Process Several members on the Labour Party's ruling NEC have apparently predicted it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are keen to avoid any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he caused consternation 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 aiming for a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership should a contest to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return 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," one ally said. Political Landscape and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and pro-Gaza independents, all before any potential leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures 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 commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, 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 reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could redirect around £500,000 in party funding 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," one source said. Several insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The trade unions hold a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen 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. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." By-election Battle The seat in question holds a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to mount a significant 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 a challenge from pro-Gaza independents. Should 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 regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.