🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Backers Launch 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Thwart Mayor's Parliamentary Return Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Significant Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The party apparatus reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to run for the party 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 arise. However, allies of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return Westminster 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking 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." Financial and Political Dangers NEC members have allegedly 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 an estimated £500,000 in party funding 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," a figure stated. A number of sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as interference from Downing Street. The leader 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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a significant challenge, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down 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 membership in an inappropriate online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a coordinated campaign to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a comeback to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an upcoming byelection. Significant Barriers in the Candidate Selection Procedure Several figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant presence of supporters of the Prime Minister on the body who are desperate to head off any future challenge to Starmer's leadership. The party apparatus reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to run for the party 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 arise. However, allies of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely return Westminster 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 source close to Burnham remarked. Current Climate and Poll Ratings Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only senior Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against competition from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already in progress, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, speaking 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." Financial and Political Dangers NEC members have allegedly 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 an estimated £500,000 in party funding 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," a figure stated. A number of sources also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Procedural Fears As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it. The trade unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently keeping their counsel, sources indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as interference from Downing Street. The leader 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 constituency in question holds a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a significant challenge, building on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could encounter some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a requirement that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP confirmed he was stepping down 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 membership in an inappropriate online group.