Starmer's allies launch Stop Andy Burnham' campaign to block parliamentary return

"Keir Starmer's allies have launched a Stop Andy Burnham campaign to prevent the Labour mayor from returning to parliament after the resignation of a Manchester MP triggered a byelection. Multiple members of the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) predicted it would be impossible for Burnham to make it through the selection process given the number of Starmer loyalists on the body desperate to avoid a leadership challenge."

"The Labour party machine sprang into action after the Guardian revealed on Thursday that Andrew Gwynne was planning to quit due to ill health, with officials and MPs warning about the financial cost and political risk of a subsequent mayoral race. However, allies of the Greater Manchester mayor suggested there would be significant disquiet among MPs, the unions and party members should the leadership try to block him from returning to parliament, where he served as the MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017."

"Burnham has made no secret of his ambitions. He prompted outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he said in the run up to the party's conference last year that many MPs had urged him to run for Labour leader. He has long been believed to be seeking a return to parliament to stand for the Labour leadership if there was a challenge to Starmer, but was thought to have limited options for a byelection in the north-west of England."

A coordinated campaign by Keir Starmer's allies aims to stop Andy Burnham returning to Parliament after a Manchester MP's resignation triggered a byelection. NEC members aligned with Starmer believe Burnham would be blocked during selection due to loyalist numbers on the committee. Party officials and MPs flagged the financial and political costs of a mayoral rerun following Andrew Gwynne's planned resignation on health grounds. Burnham's supporters warn that blocking his return would provoke disquiet among MPs, unions and members. Burnham has signalled leadership ambitions but allies say he loves his mayoral role and would return only if he could contribute.

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