A crucial decision looms for the Labour Party, as Andy Burnham awaits word on whether he can run as an MP in an upcoming by-election. The Labour Party's national executive committee will decide today whether to allow Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, to stand as a candidate in Gorton and Denton.
This decision has sparked controversy and divided opinions within the party. Some allies of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are reportedly concerned that Burnham's return to Westminster could lead to a leadership challenge. Burnham, a former cabinet minister, has made it clear that he wants to support the Labour government, not undermine it.
Several Labour MPs have expressed anger at the suggestion of blocking Burnham's candidacy. The NEC's meeting at 11:00 GMT will determine the outcome.
The seat in Greater Manchester became vacant after Andrew Gwynne stepped down as an MP due to health reasons. As a directly elected mayor, Burnham requires approval from the national executive committee to enter the race as the Labour candidate.
This decision carries significant weight for the prime minister and his supporters. The question is whether it's more detrimental to prevent a popular mayor from running in a potentially challenging by-election or to allow a potential leadership contender into Westminster, where they could pose a threat to the prime minister's position in a few months.
Current indications suggest that Burnham's supporters intend to block his candidacy when the NEC meets. Their willingness to do so, despite the potential political fallout, highlights the seriousness with which they view the threat of Burnham or others challenging the prime minister.
In a letter announcing his intentions, Burnham stated that Greater Manchester faced a direct threat from a brand of politics that seeks to divide people. He explained that he left Westminster nearly a decade ago because he believed it wasn't serving the people in his region. As mayor, he has tried to pioneer a different approach. However, he now feels the need to return to the national stage, believing that similar changes are necessary at a higher level.
There has been speculation that the prime minister could face a leadership challenge after the May elections, which will include votes in the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments, as well as local councils in England. Burnham has been mentioned as a potential leadership contender, but he can only launch a challenge if he is an MP.
Burnham has emphasized that he would be in Parliament to support the government's work and has assured the prime minister of his intentions. Labour MPs are divided on the issue, with some believing Burnham should be allowed to stand as a strong candidate, while others worry that contesting his mayoralty could open the door for Reform to win that position.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan supports Burnham's right to be an MP if he chooses, while deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell acknowledges the by-election's difficulty and wants to ensure the party puts its best team forward. She calls for Labour members to unite behind Keir Starmer and avoid internal conflicts.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband sees Burnham as a significant asset in Parliament and hopes Gorton and Denton party members will have the option to select him as a candidate. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting takes a more cautious approach, citing the need to consider various factors, including the potential for a mayoral election in Greater Manchester.
If Burnham were selected and won the Gorton and Denton seat, he would have to resign as Greater Manchester mayor, triggering a new election for that role. Several Labour sources have indicated that the NEC could block Burnham's application on the grounds that a mayoral election would be costly for the party and the taxpayer, with the last election costing around £4.7m.
Gorton and Denton has traditionally been a Labour-voting area, with the party winning the seat in 2024 by a majority of 13,000. However, Labour's popularity has since declined, and the party could face challenges from Reform UK and the Green Party, who came second and third in the general election.
John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair, believes Burnham is stepping forward in the party's best interests. He stated that Labour's support has nearly halved since the last general election and emphasized the potential challenge Reform could pose to Labour and the achievements of mayors like Burnham.
Labour MP Jo White suggested that while Burnham may be the best candidate, he must consider his legacy as Greater Manchester mayor. If he becomes an MP, White believes he should work to ensure Labour retains the mayoralty. She questions whether Burnham is willing to sacrifice the Manchester mayoralty to Reform or another party to pursue his parliamentary ambitions.
