Andy Burnham's bid to return to Westminster as a Member of Parliament has been decisively blocked by Labour's governing body, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally voting against his potential rival. The move ensures that Burnham will remain in his current role as Mayor of Greater Manchester, sparking controversy within the party.
NEC Vote Rejects Burnham's Request
On Sunday, Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) voted overwhelmingly to deny Burnham permission to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election. Sky News understands that the ten-person panel voted eight to one against the mayor's request, with only Deputy Leader Lucy Powell supporting him. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who chairs the NEC, abstained from the vote.
Burnham had formally sought approval on Saturday, as party rules require directly elected mayors to obtain express permission from the NEC before contesting a Westminster seat. This regulation is designed to prevent the party from incurring unnecessary costs associated with running dual political campaigns.
Financial and Strategic Concerns Cited
In a statement, Labour explained that the decision was driven by financial and strategic considerations. Granting Burnham's request would have triggered a mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester, diverting substantial campaign resources away from other critical elections scheduled for May, including local contests and elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd.
The party emphasised that while confident of retaining the mayoralty, it could not risk Labour's control of Greater Manchester or waste taxpayer money during a cost-of-living crisis. The statement praised Burnham's performance as mayor but argued that avoiding an unnecessary election was in the party's best interests.
Internal Party Discontent Emerges
The decision has ignited discontent among some Labour members, particularly on the left of the party. Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh described it as "an incredibly disappointing decision," warning that the leadership should not feel threatened by including one of the country's most popular politicians in the national team. She urged a reversal, suggesting that failing to do so could lead to regret.
This development underscores ongoing tensions within Labour, as Burnham's return to Westminster was widely viewed as a potential challenge to Starmer's leadership. The prime minister's direct involvement in the vote highlights the political stakes, with the party now focusing on winning the Gorton and Denton by-election with a campaign centred on tackling the cost of living and boosting local investment.
