🔗 Share this article Starmer's Supporters Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Drive to Block Manchester Mayor's Commons Re-entry Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a concerted effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to parliament. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Major Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process A number of figures on the party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are keen to avoid any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger within No 10 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 aiming for a return to parliament to possibly contest the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would solely re-enter national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "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 Public Approval Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 NEC members 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 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 insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. 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 hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a strong 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 some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an offensive online group.
Loyalists of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly started a concerted effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to parliament. This action comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has triggered an impending by-election. Major Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process A number of figures on the party's ruling NEC have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are keen to avoid any future leadership challenge. The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester. Burnham's Ambitions and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has been open about his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger within No 10 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 aiming for a return to parliament to possibly contest the party leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against exaggerating the extent of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would solely re-enter national politics if he felt he had something to contribute. "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 Public Approval Amid polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the sole senior Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham decide to run, several obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are not in his favour—and then secure victory in the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any possible bid for the leadership. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by key allies of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible contests for the leadership. Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure 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 NEC members 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 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 insiders also shared fears about Reform UK potentially win the mayoralty left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them. Role of the Unions and Democratic Concerns Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to block his nomination. 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 hold a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling 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." Electoral Challenges The seat in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a strong 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 some pressure from independent candidates. If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by some on the parliamentary party. The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his membership in an offensive online group.