Labor Braces for Internal Battle as ‘Stop Andy Burnham’ Campaign Takes Shape
A concerted effort is underway within the Labour Party to prevent Greater Manchester Mayor andy Burnham from returning to Parliament,following the resignation of MP Andrew Gwynne and the subsequent by-election triggered in his constituency. Multiple members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) believe Burnham’s path to selection is effectively blocked due to the prevalence of Keir Starmer loyalists determined to avert a potential leadership challenge.
The Labour party apparatus mobilized swiftly after news broke on Thursday that Gwynne was stepping down due to ill health, with concerns raised by officials and MPs regarding both the financial burden and political risks associated with a subsequent mayoral election.Though, allies of Burnham suggest critically important opposition exists among MPs, unions, and party members should the leadership attempt to bar him from re-entering Parliament, where he served as the MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017.
Burnham has openly discussed his ambitions, prompting consternation within No. 10 and among cabinet ministers last year when he revealed that numerous MPs had encouraged him to contend for the Labour leadership. He has long been speculated to be seeking a return to Westminster as a platform to challenge starmer, though opportunities for a by-election in the North West had previously appeared limited.
The government is expected to schedule the by-election, with two sources indicating it will likely occur before the May elections, possibly positioning Burnham to influence any fallout.However, Burnham’s supporters caution against overstating any existing plans, emphasizing his dedication to his current role. “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 stated.
Despite this, Burnham stands out as the only senior Labour figure currently enjoying positive public approval ratings, notably as polls suggest Starmer remains unpopular nationally and many MPs are pessimistic about Labour’s prospects in the next election.
Should Burnham pursue a parliamentary return, he faces considerable hurdles. He must first secure selection from the NEC – where the odds are stacked against him – and then win the by-election in Gorton and Denton, competing against candidates from Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents, before any potential leadership contest.
A “Stop Andy” campaign is reportedly already in motion, with the party machinery under the tight control of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, and her allies, according to senior Labour figures. The Prime Minister himself acknowledged on Thursday that the by-election process was in its “early stages” and urged his MPs to refrain from discussing potential leadership challenges.”My message is to my entire party, and is that every minute we waste talking about anything other than the cost of living and stability
Gwynne held a 13,413 majority in the seat, located southeast of Manchester. Reform UK is expected to mount a strong challenge, particularly in the Tameside portion of the constituency, while Labour anticipates firmer ground in the larger Greater Manchester area, though potential pressure from pro-Gaza independents remains.
should Burnham return to Parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour mps to launch a challenge to Starmer, though his past service in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown has made him a skeptical figure for some on the backbenches.
Reports had circulated for months that Gwynne was seeking a deal with the MPs’ pension authority to allow for early retirement on grounds of ill health, potentially securing a yearly payout. Gwynne confirmed on Thursday that his mental health had deteriorated to the point of necessitating his resignation, triggering the by-election. He stated that he was proud of his achievements but that his GP had advised him that further stress would lead to rapid deterioration,making a return to Parliament unsafe. gwynne is also currently subject to a parliamentary standards inquiry stemming from his participation in a WhatsApp group, “trigger Me Timbers,” which shared offensive content about voters and fellow MPs, leading to his suspension from the party.
