Labour’s ruling body has prevented Andy Burnham from participating in an upcoming by-election. The Mayor of Greater Manchester expressed his desire to run for the Gorton & Denton seat, potentially returning him to Westminster. However, a majority of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), including Keir Starmer, voted overwhelmingly against Burnham, with only Deputy Leader Lucy Powell supporting his candidacy.
This decision is expected to spark internal conflict within the Labour party between those advocating for Burnham’s candidacy and those critical of his perceived leadership ambitions. Despite vocal support from key party figures like Ed Miliband, Angela Rayner, and Sadiq Khan, the NEC’s decision to block Burnham stands.
Critics have raised concerns about the financial implications of holding a by-election to replace Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor, arguing that Labour should focus its resources on the Gorton by-election and other upcoming critical elections across Scotland, Wales, and English local councils.
In a statement, Labour justified its decision by highlighting the potential strain on campaign resources posed by a mayoral election and emphasized Burnham’s effective role as Mayor. The party looks forward to campaigning in the Gorton and Denton by-election, focusing on addressing the cost of living crisis and local investment.
NEC Chair Shabana Mahmood urged party members to unite and avoid engaging in divisive political dramas that could alienate the public. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of MP Andrew Gwynne on health grounds, setting the stage for a challenging electoral contest amid shifting political dynamics.
Gwynne’s previous victory in the constituency in 2024 may not guarantee an easy win for Labour, given the party’s declining poll ratings and the emergence of competing forces like Reform UK and the Green Party.