Story Highlight
– Angela Rayner supports Andy Burnham’s candidacy for by-election.
– Burnham’s decision impacts potential leadership challenge against Starmer.
– NEC may block Burnham citing political and financial concerns.
– Labour’s Gorton and Denton seat historically considered safe.
– Divided opinions among MPs on Burnham’s political ambitions.
Full Story
Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, is not in favor of blocking Andy Burnham from contesting in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, according to sources familiar with the situation. It has been reported by The Times that Rayner plans to announce her stance at Labour’s North West regional conference scheduled for Saturday.
Should Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, choose to run and secure victory, it could pave the way for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for leadership. However, insiders suggest that some members of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), who align with Starmer, may attempt to prevent Burnham from standing for the seat. The deadline for Burnham to inform the NEC of his intentions is set for 5pm on Saturday, with an announcement on his eligibility expected on Sunday.
Labour regulations stipulate that elected mayors require NEC approval to seek Labour parliamentary nominations. The imminent by-election could arise as soon as next month following the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who cited health reasons for stepping down.
While Burnham has not publicly declared his intentions, he recently stated his commitment to his responsibilities as mayor and cautioned against premature assumptions. The tight timeframe for his decision could significantly impact his political trajectory.
Rayner, who resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary last year due to a breach of the ministerial code, continues to enjoy substantial backing from both backbench MPs and party members. Her support for Burnham could complicate the NEC’s potential move to block his candidacy.
According to various Labour insiders, the NEC is likely to oppose Burnham’s bid, arguing that it could instigate a mayoral election for Greater Manchester, posing financial and political challenges for the party. There is also the possibility that they may advocate for an all-women shortlist for the by-election, reflecting the gender composition of the current Labour MPs.
Views within the party are mixed concerning Burnham’s return to Parliament. Jo White, MP and leader of the Red Wall group, expressed support for Burnham, asserting that a “London stitch up will be a disaster for Labour.” Conversely, Graham Stringer, representing Blackley and Middleton South, contended that Burnham’s pursuit is ill-timed, describing by-elections as precarious for candidates affiliated with an incumbent government.
Labour previously won the Gorton and Denton seat in 2024 with a significant majority of 13,000 votes, while Reform UK secured second place, edging out the Green Party. However, Labour’s recent decline in popularity raises uncertainty about its hold on the traditionally safe seat. The decline in the Prime Minister’s approval ratings has also sparked speculation regarding a potential leadership challenge following the local elections in May, where Labour is projected to underperform. Alongside Burnham, Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have emerged as potential contenders for leadership.
Speaking on the BBC’s Political Thinking, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy remarked, “I don’t know if Andy really wants to get back into Westminster politics. He may do, and there’s much merit to him. But I would caution those often around that start to destabilize the ship and say that we can have a new leader. No, we can’t. Because immediately you’d be forced to have an election.”
