"Former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne is on the brink of standing down as an MP, ministers and party officials believe. The move could potentially pave a way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to the Commons and make a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. Gwynne was elected as a Labour MP, but was suspended in 2025 after a newspaper reported offensive messages he sent in a WhatsApp Group."
"One senior source told the BBC that Gwynne had reached agreement on a pension on Thursday which would allow him to retire as an MP on medical grounds but cautioned that while they believed Gwynne's departure was highly likely, it was not certain that an announcement would come today. There has been speculation Burnham would like to replace Sir Keir as party leader, however he would only be able to enter any leadership race as a Labour MP."
Andrew Gwynne is reportedly preparing to stand down as MP, which would trigger a by-election in Gorton and Denton. Gwynne was suspended in 2025 after offensive WhatsApp messages were reported. One source said he reached a pension agreement enabling retirement on medical grounds, though an announcement was not certain. The seat, held by Labour with a 13,000 majority at the last election, could open a path for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to re-enter the Commons and potentially contest Labour leadership. Burnham would require approval from the national executive committee and then win a by-election at a time of low party popularity.
Read at www.bbc.com
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