🔗 Share this article Starmer's Allies Launch 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Mayor's Commons Comeback Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to parliament. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Selection Process Several members on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to head off any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense 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 caused consternation within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many 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 party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely re-enter 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. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. 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 senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting 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 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 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. A number of sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a sizable 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 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a significant challenge, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an offensive online group.
Loyalists of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly kicked off a coordinated campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to parliament. This move follows the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election. Serious Hurdles in the Selection Process Several members on the Labour Party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are keen to head off any potential leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy is said to have swung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned resignation, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the considerable expense 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 caused consternation within No 10 and among senior ministers when he stated that many 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 party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, supporters of the Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely re-enter 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. Current Climate and Public Approval Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole prominent Labour figure with favourable ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any potential bid for the leadership. 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 senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting 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 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 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. A number of sources also expressed fears about Reform UK attempting to fill any vacancy created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to stand. There is also speculation the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. However, a supporter warned against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The unions hold a sizable 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 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a significant challenge, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his involvement in an offensive online group.