Starmer faces pressure not to block Andy Burnham's return to parliament

"Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure not to block Andy Burnham from making a comeback to parliament, with Angela Rayner planning to urge No 10 to let him stand in a forthcoming byelection. The prime minister's allies have been trying to prevent Burnham's return as a candidate in the Greater Manchester seat of Gorton and Denton, amid fears he could challenge the leadership. However, a string of Labour MPs and the boss of Britain's biggest union,"

"Rayner, the former Labour deputy leader, is understood to be supportive of Burnham standing if he wants to, and is expected to argue he should be allowed to when she speaks at Labour's north-west regional conference on Saturday. The timeline for candidates to make a decision is extremely tight, with applications opening at 5pm on Friday, a deadline to seek permission from the national executive committee (NEC) 24 hours later, and applications closing on Sunday shortly before midnight."

"Burnham has not confirmed he intends to run for the seat but he made no secret of his ambitions. In the runup to the party's conference last year he said many MPs had urged him to run for Labour leader, prompting outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers. He would have to stand down as mayor of Greater Manchester if he were to run."

Keir Starmer faces pressure not to block Andy Burnham from returning to parliament after Burnham signalled leadership ambitions. Angela Rayner plans to urge No 10 to permit Burnham to stand in the Greater Manchester Gorton and Denton byelection. Starmer allies have sought to prevent Burnham's candidacy amid fears he could challenge the leadership. Labour MPs and Unison's leader warned that the party must run a democratic selection and avoid a stitch-up. A tight timetable requires candidates to apply within days and obtain NEC permission quickly. Burnham would have to resign as Greater Manchester mayor to run. Bev Craig is another Labour contender; rivals include the Greens and George Galloway.

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