Keir Starmer's Allies Initiate 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Prevent Mayor's Parliamentary Re-entry
Close associates of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated effort to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a comeback to parliament. This action follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an upcoming byelection.
Major Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process
A number of members on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to navigate the candidate selection procedure. This is largely due to the sizable presence of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are desperate to avoid any future leadership challenge.
The Labour hierarchy reportedly swung into action following the announcement of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester.
The Mayor's Aspirations and Party Concerns
Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he caused consternation in Downing Street and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership.
It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly stand for the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir arise. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the extent of any planning, suggesting he is passionate about his job as mayor and would only return Westminster 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 supporter stated.
Current Climate and Poll Ratings
Amid polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's prospects at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour personality with consistently positive public approval ratings.
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 not in his favour—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge.
The 'Stop Andy' Campaign
Senior Labour sources have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister himself commented that the byelection process was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of potential contests for the leadership.
Andy Burnham, speaking 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."
Financial and Political Dangers
Figures on the committee 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," an insider claimed.
Several sources also expressed fears about Nigel Farage’s party potentially win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant political win for them.
Union Influence 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 prevent his candidacy.
Yet, a supporter counselled against presuming the NEC would simply block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to dominate it.
The unions occupy a significant number of seats on the NEC. While the biggest unions are for now keeping their counsel, insiders indicated they would be uncomfortable with anything seen as meddling 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 has a considerable Labour majority. However, Reform is likely to launch a strong challenge, building 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 face some pressure from pro-Gaza independents.
If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to mount a bid for the leadership, a requirement that is far from certain given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party.
The departing MP stated he was resigning due to deteriorating mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also subject to a standards inquiry related to his membership in an offensive online group.
