Andy Burnham Blocked from Gorton and Denton By-Election Amid Labour Division
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, formally applied to contest the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election but was subsequently blocked by a Labour Party committee. This decision has led to internal party division. The by-election, triggered by the resignation of MP Andrew Gwynne, is now scheduled for late February amidst concerns within Labour regarding the potential outcome in the historically safe seat.
By-Election Triggered and Burnham's Application
The Gorton and Denton constituency became vacant following the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne from the House of Commons due to health reasons. Andy Burnham submitted a formal application to Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) by the Saturday afternoon deadline, expressing his intent to stand as a candidate. As an elected mayor, Burnham required NEC permission to seek nomination.
In his letter to the NEC, Burnham stated his intention to support the Labour government and advocate for Greater Manchester at a national level, citing a need to address a perceived "direct threat" to the region.
High-Profile Support for Burnham's Bid
Burnham's potential candidacy garnered significant support from prominent Labour figures. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner reportedly backed his bid, as did London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Labour NEC Blocks Candidacy, Starmer Votes Against
A Labour Party committee ultimately blocked Andy Burnham's bid to run as an MP. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer participated in a remote meeting on Sunday morning and cast a vote against allowing Burnham to run. This decision contributed to division among Labour MPs and members of the NEC.
"A Labour Party committee ultimately blocked Andy Burnham's bid to run as an MP."
Internal Divisions: Arguments For and Against Burnham
Arguments made by sources in favor of Burnham's candidacy included concerns that blocking him would undermine the will of local party members. Supporters reportedly highlighted Burnham's record as Mayor of Greater Manchester and suggested his experience could benefit the government and Parliament. Some even perceived him as potentially the only candidate capable of winning the by-election.
Conversely, some Labour MPs and NEC members aligned with Sir Keir Starmer reportedly intended to prevent Burnham from standing.
"Reports indicated that critics viewed his potential return as an implied challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, which they believed could be destabilizing."
Some ministers reportedly described Burnham as self-focused. Potential obstacles cited by some Labour sources also included the estimated £4.7 million financial cost of a new mayoral election for Greater Manchester, which would be triggered if Burnham resigned his mayoral role.
Leadership Speculation and Party Strategy
Andy Burnham's political career includes serving as an adviser, an MP for 16 years, and a cabinet minister, having previously sought the Labour leadership twice before becoming Mayor of Greater Manchester. His potential entry into Parliament had fueled speculation regarding a future leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, particularly amid reports of Starmer's declining popularity and anticipated performance in upcoming local elections.
No 10 reportedly calculated that it was preferable to manage immediate criticism rather than authorize a prolonged period with Burnham as a by-election candidate, which could focus media attention on his leadership aspirations.
"No 10 calculated that it was preferable to manage immediate criticism rather than authorize a prolonged period with Burnham as a by-election candidate, which could focus media attention on his leadership aspirations."
A senior party figure was quoted expressing concerns about Burnham operating as a "team player" and a desire to avoid internal "psychodrama" and "destabilisation." In contrast, some within the party criticized the blocking of Burnham, arguing it was counterproductive and an attempt to stifle democracy, with one senior Labour MP describing it as "a very bad look."
By-Election Set: Electoral Implications and Starmer's Stakes
The by-election for the Gorton and Denton constituency is expected to take place in late February, with Thursday, February 26, identified as a likely date. The process began on Monday when government chief whip Jonathan Reynolds requested the writ in Parliament. The by-election must occur between 21 and 27 working days from the writ's issuance.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer opted for the fastest possible timetable for the by-election, reportedly to limit the time other parties have to establish campaign operations within the constituency.
"Gorton and Denton has historically been a strong Labour seat, continuously represented by the party for over 90 years, with a 13,000 majority in the 2024 general election."
However, Labour's popularity has since declined, leading to concerns within the party that Reform UK or the Green Party, who placed second and third respectively in the last general election, could win the seat. Reform UK's Lee Anderson was reportedly campaigning in the constituency following Burnham's announcement.
Some MPs, including those who supported the decision to bar Burnham, suggested that a Labour loss in this by-election could lead to increased speculation regarding Sir Keir's leadership, given his association with the decision. A by-election defeat in a historically secure seat would escalate the political stakes for Sir Keir ahead of the May elections, which include contests for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and some English councils.