In a surprising move, Andrew Gwynne, the long-serving Labour MP for Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester, has reached a settlement with the House of Commons authorities that could allow him to retire and trigger a by-election. This development has sparked speculation that Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, may be eyeing a return to Westminster to potentially challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.
Gwynne, who is currently suspended from the Labour Party following an investigation into inappropriate messaging, has expressly denied any plans for an early retirement. However, a senior source has confirmed that the MP has now agreed to a pension settlement that would enable him to step down on medical grounds.
This unexpected turn of events could provide a potential route for Burnham to re-enter the parliamentary fray. The Mayor of Greater Manchester has been widely rumoured to be considering a bid for the Labour leadership, should Starmer face a challenge. However, Burnham’s path back to Westminster has been seen as limited, with few obvious by-election opportunities in the North West.
The prospect of Burnham running in a by-election for Gwynne’s seat has been met with a mixed reaction within the Labour Party. While the move would undoubtedly bolster the former Health Secretary’s profile and potentially strengthen his leadership ambitions, there are concerns about the cost and disruption of a by-election, as well as the potential for a strong challenge from the Reform UK party.
Moreover, Burnham’s candidacy would not be a foregone conclusion, as the decision would rest with the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which is currently dominated by Starmer loyalists. The NEC could potentially impose an all-female shortlist in an effort to block Burnham’s nomination, a move that would likely spark significant discontent among Labour MPs.
Gwynne, for his part, has denied any pact with Burnham to facilitate the latter’s return to Parliament. However, the timing of the pension settlement and the potential implications for the Labour leadership race have fuelled speculation that the two may have reached some form of understanding.
As the Labour Party navigates the potential fallout from this development, the focus will undoubtedly shift to Burnham’s next move and the potential impact on the party’s leadership dynamics. The coming weeks and months are likely to be marked by intense political maneuvering and speculation as the party grapples with the implications of Gwynne’s pension settlement.