Andy Burnham faces decision on bid to return as MP

"Andrew Gwynne said on Thursday he was resigning as an MP in Greater Manchester after suffering "significant ill health" and being advised by his GP not to return to work. It paves a path for Burnham to contest the by-election in the constituency and potentially mount a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, should he become an MP."

"Several Labour sources said they expected the committee to object on the grounds that Burnham standing for Parliament would in turn trigger an election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty, which would be seen as a drain on party funds as well as politically risky. It is also possible that the NEC would insist that there should be an all-women shortlist of possible Labour candidates for a by-election because the majority of the party's MPs are currently men."

Andrew Gwynne announced his intention to resign his Greater Manchester parliamentary seat after suffering significant ill health and receiving GP advice not to return to work. The vacancy creates a by-election opportunity that could allow Andy Burnham to seek election to Westminster and potentially mount a leadership challenge if returned to Parliament. Burnham has not been required to decide immediately because the formal resignation has not yet taken effect. If he seeks selection he would face competition from other Labour figures and former MPs and would need approval from the party's NEC. The NEC may object because his candidacy would trigger a mayoral election, risk party funds, and prompt calls for an all-women shortlist.

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