Labour Party blocks Andy Burnham from MP bid as internal tensions grow

The Labour Party has blocked Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, from standing as a parliamentary candidate, triggering internal backlash.

A 10-member panel of the party’s National Executive Committee voted eight to one against allowing Burnham to end his mayoral term early to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election. Keir Starmer voted against, according to an NEC member.

Burnham has become increasingly critical of Keir Starmer in recent months as Labour’s position in the polls has weakened. He has held discussions with MPs about a potential return to Westminster, which some within the party interpreted as laying the groundwork for a future leadership challenge.

Burnham said he was “disappointed” by the decision “and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us”.

He said he would return to his mayoral role on Monday (26 January) “with full focus”, defending the progress made in Greater Manchester. “I decided to put myself forward to prevent the divisive politics of Reform from damaging that. We are stronger together and let’s stay that way.”

Burnham added: “The fact that the media was informed of the NEC decision before I was tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days. You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly no.”

Criticism has centred on the party’s handling of the decision and its electoral risks. Several Labour MPs warned the move could deepen internal divisions and damage the party’s prospects.

Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said the decision would “cause uproar” and be “damaging for Starmer’s standing”, as concerns grow that Labour could lose the Gorton and Denton seat to Reform or the Greens.

ℹ️ Financial Times