🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Supporters Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Commons Comeback Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to avert any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have mobilised following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly stand for the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would only 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," a supporter stated. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to 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 machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, told reporters: "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 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," a figure stated. A number of insiders also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing 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 leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated effort to prevent Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This action follows the resignation of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Procedure Multiple figures on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to avert any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The Labour party machine is said to have mobilised following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he stated that many MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly stand for the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would only 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," a supporter stated. Political Landscape and Public Approval Against a backdrop of polls indicating Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the by-election against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to 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 machinery being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to stop talking about possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was confirmed, told reporters: "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 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," a figure stated. A number of insiders also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. There is also speculation the committee could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to dominate it. The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are currently keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling from Downing Street. The leader 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." By-election Battle The constituency in question has a sizable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to launch a strong challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing 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 leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the backbenches. The resigning MP confirmed he was resigning due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry concerning his involvement in an offensive online group.