Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The Labour Party’s national executive committee (NEC) is set to decide whether Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, will be allowed to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming parliamentary by-election for the Gorton and Denton constituency. Concerns have arisen within Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s inner circle that Burnham’s return to Westminster might lead to a leadership challenge, prompting some allies to consider blocking his candidacy. Burnham, a former cabinet minister under Gordon Brown, announced his intention to contest the seat, emphasizing his desire to support the Labour government rather than undermine it.
The vacancy in Gorton and Denton arose after Andrew Gwynne resigned from his MP position due to health reasons. Burnham, having been directly elected as Greater Manchester’s mayor, must obtain approval from Labour’s NEC before standing as the party’s candidate. This decision holds significant weight for Starmer and his supporters, who must weigh the risks of allowing a popular regional figure to contest a difficult seat against the danger of empowering a potential leadership rival. Reports indicate that Burnham’s opponents within the party plan to propose blocking his candidacy, reflecting the seriousness with which they view the possibility of a leadership contest.
In a letter shared on social media to announce his bid, Burnham criticized divisive politics, stating that it posed “a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about.” He explained that his departure from Westminster nearly a decade ago stemmed from a belief that the political system was failing people in his region. As mayor, he claimed to have pioneered a different approach and now feels compelled to return to Parliament to advocate for similar changes on a national stage.
There is ongoing speculation that Prime Minister Starmer might face a leadership challenge following the upcoming May elections across the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments and various English local councils. While Burnham is viewed as a potential contender, he can only officially challenge if he becomes an MP. He maintains that his primary purpose in Parliament would be to support the government’s work and has conveyed this assurance to Starmer. Opinion among Labour MPs is divided: some believe Burnham’s candidacy would strengthen the party, while others worry that leaving the mayoralty vacant could risk losing it to Reform UK. Influential figures such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan have supported Burnham’s right to stand, whereas deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell cautioned about the challenges of the by-election and stressed the importance of party unity. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described Burnham as “a massive asset” who should be an option for local members, but Health Secretary Wes Streeting raised concerns about potential costs and complications, including the financial impact of a by-election for the mayoral post, should Burnham resign after winning the parliamentary seat. The Gorton and Denton constituency has historically been a Labour stronghold, but recent polls signal vulnerabilities from Reform UK and the Green Party. Some commentators believe Burnham’s return could help bolster the party’s weakening support, though questions remain about his willingness to step down as mayor and the consequences for Labour’s control of Greater Manchester
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.