In a significant political move, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally intervened to block Andy Burnham from contesting a parliamentary by-election, effectively halting the Manchester mayor's bid to return to Westminster. The decision, made by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC), underscores internal party dynamics and strategic resource allocation ahead of key elections.
NEC Vote Rejects Burnham's Request
On Sunday, 25 January 2026, Labour's governing body, the NEC, convened to consider Mr Burnham's formal request for permission to stand as the Labour candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. As the directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Mr Burnham is required under party rules to seek explicit approval from the NEC before pursuing a parliamentary nomination.
The ten-person panel voted overwhelmingly against granting permission, with eight members opposing the bid and only Deputy Leader Lucy Powell supporting it. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who chairs the NEC, abstained from the vote. Sir Keir Starmer was among those who voted to block Mr Burnham, aligning with union representatives and other Labour Party figures.
Rationale Behind the Decision
Labour issued a statement explaining that the primary reason for the rejection was to avoid unnecessary financial burdens on the party. The NEC emphasised that allowing Mr Burnham to stand would trigger a simultaneous by-election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty, leading to substantial campaign costs.
The statement referenced chapter 5, clause IV, 2 of the Labour Party rule book, which mandates that directly elected mayors and police and crime commissioners must obtain NEC permission before seeking Westminster candidacy. This rule is designed to prevent the party from incurring expenses from running dual political campaigns.
Furthermore, the NEC expressed concern that a mayoral by-election could divert critical resources away from upcoming local elections and elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd in May. While confident in retaining the mayoralty, the committee stated it could not risk Labour's control of Greater Manchester or waste taxpayer money during a cost of living crisis.
Internal Party Reactions
The decision has sparked discontent, particularly among left-wing factions within Labour. Louise Haigh, the former transport secretary, labelled it "an incredibly disappointing decision" and warned that the leadership should not feel threatened by including popular figures like Mr Burnham in the national team. She urged a reversal, suggesting the party might regret this move later.
Mr Burnham's potential return to Westminster was widely viewed as a possible challenge to Sir Keir's leadership, given his high profile and popularity. However, with this block, he will continue serving as Manchester mayor, focusing on local governance rather than national politics.
Looking Ahead
Labour has affirmed its commitment to winning the Gorton and Denton by-election, pledging to run a positive campaign centred on addressing the cost of living crisis and attracting investment to the area. The party's statement concluded by praising Mr Burnham's work as mayor and reiterating the importance of prudent resource management in these challenging economic times.
