Keir Starmer's Backers Initiate 'Stop Andy Burnham' Campaign to Prevent Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Re-entry
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have allegedly started a coordinated initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Mayor of Greater Manchester, from securing a return to the House of Commons. This move comes after the stepping down of a Manchester-area MP, which has sparked an impending byelection.
Significant Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process
A number of members on the Labour Party's powerful NEC have reportedly suggested it would be virtually impossible for Mr. Burnham to successfully pass through the selection procedure. This is primarily due to the significant number of Starmer loyalists on the committee who are anxious to avoid any potential challenge to Starmer's leadership.
The Labour party machine is said to have sprung into action following the announcement of the MP's intended departure, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the substantial financial cost and political risk of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester.
Burnham's Ambitions and Party Concerns
Andy Burnham has made no secret of his national ambitions. Previously, he prompted outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that many MPs had urged him to run for the Labour leadership.
It has long been believed that he is aiming for a return to parliament to potentially stand for the Labour leadership if a challenge to Sir Keir emerge. Nevertheless, allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his job as mayor and would only re-enter Westminster if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make.
"People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but that’s absolutely not where he is. He loves being mayor of Manchester. It would only ever be an option if felt he had something to offer," one ally said.
Political Landscape and Public Approval
Amid opinion polls indicating Sir Keir is unpopular and many MPs despondent about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham stands out as the only prominent Labour personality with favourable ratings with the public.
If Mr. Burnham decide to run, multiple obstacles stand in his way. He would need to be approved by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the by-election against challenges from Reform and independent candidates, all prior to any possible leadership challenge.
The 'Stop Andy' Campaign
Senior Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" campaign is already under way, with the party's organisation being closely managed by key allies of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister personally commented that the by-election procedure was in its "early stages" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership.
Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's resignation was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester."
Financial and Political Dangers
NEC members have allegedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the significant expense of a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in campaign funds from other key electoral battles across the country.
"It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this – costing us tens of thousands we don’t have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," an insider claimed.
Several insiders also shared concerns about Nigel Farage’s party attempting to win the mayoralty created by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a significant symbolic victory for them.
Role of the Unions and Procedural Fears
Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to stand. It is also possible the body could enforce an women-only shortlist to prevent his candidacy.
Yet, one Burnham ally counselled against assuming the NEC would automatically reject him, even though Sir Keir's team is widely thought to control it.
The unions hold a sizable number of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything perceived as interference from Downing Street.
The leader of the Fire Brigades Union said: "It would be a democratic outrage if Andy Burnham was blocked... Our union will fiercely resist any attempts to stitch up the selection. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure."
By-election Battle
The seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform UK is likely to launch a significant campaign, capitalising on its vote in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from independent candidates.
Should Mr. Burnham re-enter the Commons, he would need the backing of 80 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, a requirement that is not guaranteed given he is regarded with caution by some on the backbenches.
The departing MP stated he was stepping down due to declining mental health, which had made it untenable for him to continue in his role. He is also under a standards inquiry related to his involvement in an offensive online group.
