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Sir Keir Starmer has publicly supported the Labour Party’s decision to prevent Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate in the upcoming by-election for Gorton and Denton. Burnham, formerly a minister and now Mayor of Greater Manchester, is often viewed as a potential contender for party leadership should he return to Parliament. The National Executive Committee (NEC), which includes Starmer himself, justified the decision by stating it would “avoid an unnecessary mayoral election,” effectively blocking Burnham’s bid to re-enter Westminster.
Addressing the reasoning behind the move, Starmer emphasized that allowing Burnham to contest the seat would divert crucial party resources needed for the forthcoming May elections. These elections are significant as Labour faces challenges in Wales, Scotland, and English local councils. Starmer stated, “We’re out campaigning on the cost of living and they’re very important elections – we need all of our focus on those elections.” Highlighting Burnham’s ongoing role as Manchester’s mayor, he added that holding a simultaneous mayoral election would unnecessarily drain financial and manpower resources from must-win elections.
Starmer also stressed his continued positive working relationship with Burnham, noting their history of cooperation going back to Burnham’s 2015 leadership campaign and their joint efforts on projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail. Reflecting on a tragic event where they responded together to an attack in Manchester, Starmer said, “There’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellent job.” Regarding speculation that the block was meant to block a leadership challenge, Starmer dismissed this, attributing the decision strictly to campaign focus and party rules established two years prior aimed at avoiding unnecessary elections.
Reactions within Labour have been mixed. Some MPs welcomed the block as a means to avoid public party divisions and to strengthen Starmer’s leadership, questioning Burnham’s ability to garner the required support for a leadership challenge. A cabinet minister cordially criticized Burnham’s attempts, while others voiced concern that the decision could damage Starmer’s standing moving forward. Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome voiced her opposition, stating she believed the move prioritized factional interests over electoral success and risked handing the seat to rival parties. Conversely, former deputy leader Baroness Harman expressed puzzlement over Burnham’s decision to apply for candidacy, suggesting the outcome was predictable and that it might have been wiser not to submit the application. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander acknowledged the electoral pressures posed by opponents, defending the NEC’s choice as prudent amid challenging political circumstances
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