The Labour Party is bracing for a fierce internal battle as allies of Sir Keir Starmer work to prevent Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, from making a dramatic return to Westminster. The resignation of Andrew Gwynne, the MP for Gorton & Denton, has paved the way for Burnham to potentially contest the upcoming by-election, fuelling speculation of a leadership challenge against the embattled Prime Minister.
However, Starmer’s allies on Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) have vowed to block Burnham from standing in the by-election, a move that has sent shockwaves through the party. Tensions between Starmer and Burnham supporters have reached a boiling point, with reports suggesting an “overwhelming anti-Burnham coalition” within the NEC.
The Prime Minister’s allies are reportedly considering implementing a “loyalty pledge” for candidates, which could effectively label Burnham as a traitor if he decides to launch a leadership bid. This tactic has further complicated Burnham’s potential return to Westminster.
Despite the growing opposition, Burnham’s allies have been working tirelessly to clear his path back to the Commons. They have been reaching out to soft-left NEC members, arguing that blocking Burnham’s return could spark a damaging internal row within the party.
The Fire Brigades Union, which holds a seat on the NEC, has also weighed in on the controversy, demanding a “full and open democratic procedure” to select a new candidate. The union has warned that it “will not stand by and allow senior Labour politicians like Andy to be carved out of this process.”
As the battle for the future of the Labour Party intensifies, all eyes are on Burnham and Starmer, as their supporters prepare for a showdown that could have far-reaching consequences for the party and the nation as a whole.
