🔗 Share this article Keir Starmer's Supporters Begin 'Stop Andy Burnham' Effort to Block Manchester Mayor's Commons Re-entry Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process A number of figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely return Westminster if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make. "People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but that’s 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," one ally said. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against competition from Reform and independent candidates, all before any potential leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £500,000 in party funding from other key electoral battles across the country. "It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this – costing us tens of thousands we don’t have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," one source said. A number of sources also expressed fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be opposed to anything seen 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. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." By-election Battle The seat in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.
Close associates of Prime Minister Keir Starmer have allegedly set in motion a concerted initiative to stop Andy Burnham, the Labour Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has prompted an impending byelection. Serious Barriers in the Selection Process A number of figures on the party's powerful national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be highly challenging for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is largely due to the significant number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are desperate to head off any future leadership challenge. The party apparatus reportedly sprung into action following the revelation of the MP's planned departure, with officials and MPs raising concerns about the substantial expense and political risk of a resulting election for mayor in Greater Manchester. The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Last year, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among senior ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to stand for the Labour leadership. It has long been believed that he is seeking a return to parliament to possibly contest the Labour leadership should a challenge to Sir Keir arise. However, supporters of the Greater Manchester Mayor have warned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is passionate about his job as mayor and would solely return Westminster if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make. "People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but that’s 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," one ally said. Political Landscape and Poll Ratings Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's prospects at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the sole senior Labour personality with favourable public approval ratings. If Mr. Burnham choose to stand, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the chances are stacked against him—and then secure victory in the byelection against competition from Reform and independent candidates, all before any potential leadership challenge. The 'Stop Andy' Campaign High-ranking Labour sources have said that a "Stop Andy" operation is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by senior aides of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister himself said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and urged his MPs to cease discussion of possible leadership challenges. Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester." Financial and Political Dangers Figures on the committee have reportedly pointed to not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could redirect an estimated £500,000 in party funding from other key electoral battles across the country. "It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this – costing us tens of thousands we don’t have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," one source said. A number of sources also expressed fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major symbolic victory for them. Union Influence and Democratic Concerns As a publicly elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. There is also speculation the body could impose an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy. Yet, a supporter warned against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it. The trade unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, sources suggested they would be opposed to anything seen 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. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure." By-election Battle The seat in question has a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is likely to mount a strong campaign, building on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour assesses it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face some pressure from pro-Gaza independents. Should Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is far from certain given he is regarded with caution by some on the parliamentary party. The resigning MP stated he was stepping down due to declining health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an inappropriate online group.