"Around 50 Labour MPs have signed a letter objecting to the decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in a forthcoming parliamentary by-election, BBC News understands. They have written to Sir Keir Starmer to warn the decision is a "real gift" to Reform UK, as polling suggests Burnham may be Labour's "very best chance at winning" the vacant Gorton and Denton seat."
"The NEC, which includes Sir Keir, said blocking Burham would "avoid an unnecessary mayoral election" to replace him should he be successful in the by-election. The previous mayoral election in Greater Manchester costs taxpayers about 4.7m. Burnham has been seen as a potential leadership rival to Sir Keir but would have to return to Parliament in order to mount a challenge."
Around 50 Labour MPs and about half a dozen peers signed a letter objecting to the NEC decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Signatories said there was "no legitimate reason" to bar Burnham and asked the NEC to re-evaluate, warning the move could hand an advantage to Reform UK and that polling suggests Burnham may be Labour's best chance of victory. Sir Keir defended the NEC decision on resource allocation and on avoiding an unnecessary mayoral election that would cost taxpayers about £4.7m. The letter was addressed to Sir Keir, NEC chair Shabana Mahmood and Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley.
Read at www.bbc.com
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