Starmer's Supporters Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Prevent Mayor's Parliamentary Re-entry
Key supporters of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reportedly started a coordinated campaign to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from making a comeback to parliament. This action comes after the resignation of a Manchester MP, which has triggered an upcoming by-election.
Significant Barriers in the Candidate Selection Process
Multiple members on the Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have apparently suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection process. This is largely due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the body who are anxious to avert any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership.
The party apparatus is said to have sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and political risk of a resulting mayoral race in Greater Manchester.
Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns
Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Last year, he prompted anger within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to stand for the party leadership.
It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the Labour leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, supporters of the Mayor have warned against exaggerating the level of any planning, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely re-enter national politics if he felt he had something to contribute.
"People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but thatâs 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
Against a backdrop of opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the forthcoming election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with consistently positive ratings with the public.
Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple hurdles remain. He would need to be selected by the NECâwhere the chances are stacked against himâand then win the byelection against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any possible bid for the leadership.
The 'Stop Andy' Campaign
High-ranking Labour figures have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges.
Andy Burnham, speaking before the MP's departure was confirmed, told reporters: "People shouldnât rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester."
Costs and Risks
NEC members have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated ÂŁ500,000 in party funding from other key electoral battles across the country.
"It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this â costing us tens of thousands we donât have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," one source said.
Several sources also expressed fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them.
Union Influence and Democratic Concerns
Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's approval to run. It is also possible the committee could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy.
Yet, one Burnham ally warned against presuming the NEC would automatically block his candidacy, even though Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it.
The unions occupy a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are currently remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference from Downing Street.
The general secretary 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. Itâs vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure."
By-election Battle
The constituency in question has a sizable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to mount a significant campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the more populous Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from independent candidates.
If Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, 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 regarded with caution by a number of on the parliamentary party.
The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it impossible for him to carry on in his role. He is also under a parliamentary standards investigation concerning his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
