In a significant turn of events, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has secured approval to contest the Labour candidacy for the upcoming Makerfield by-election. This decision by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) marks a pivotal moment in UK politics, as Burnham eyes a potential return to Westminster—a move that could shake up the current leadership landscape.
A Fresh Start for Burnham
After a previous attempt to enter the fray was thwarted earlier this year, Burnham’s latest bid has been met with a green light. The Makerfield constituency became vacant following Labour MP Josh Simons’s announcement of his resignation, effectively paving the way for Burnham’s candidacy. If selected and subsequently victorious, Burnham is anticipated to challenge the current Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, who has faced mounting pressure to resign following a series of dismal electoral results.
The by-election is expected to take place on 18 June, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Burnham expressed his desire to “bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people,” emphasising his commitment to a grassroots approach. He also vowed to “not take a single vote for granted,” signalling his determination to win over constituents.
Political Tensions Rise
The political atmosphere has been charged in recent weeks, with nearly 90 Labour MPs calling for Starmer to step aside, and five ministers resigning amid the turmoil. However, a leadership contest cannot be initiated unless a contender with the backing of 81 MPs formally challenges the incumbent. Under Labour Party rules, Burnham’s ability to join any leadership race hinges on him becoming an MP—a critical step he is now aiming for.
As he prepares for the selection process, which closes on 18 May, Burnham is not the only name mentioned in leadership discussions. Wes Streeting, who recently stepped down as health secretary, has been viewed as a potential contender. Streeting, while not officially declaring his candidacy, suggested that a broader debate about Labour’s future was necessary, indicating that he might have the support needed to enter the race.
The Challenge Ahead
Historically, Makerfield has been a stronghold for Labour, but recent trends have indicated a shift towards Reform UK, making Burnham’s potential candidacy a precarious one. His political rivals are already gearing up for a fierce contest. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, remarked that Burnham is attempting to “just be prime minister” without a recent parliamentary presence. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice has vowed to mobilise resources for a “seismic” victory in the by-election.
The Green Party has also indicated they are prepared to contest, drawing on recent successes in local elections as evidence of their growing influence. The political landscape continues to shift, and Burnham’s candidacy could further complicate matters for Labour.
Voices in the Party
Reactions to Burnham’s candidacy have been mixed within Labour ranks. While some MPs, like Olivia Blake, have praised Burnham’s achievements in Manchester and welcomed his return to Parliament, others, such as Neil Coyle, have voiced their opposition. Coyle has urged the NEC to block Burnham’s candidacy, suggesting that the party should not indulge the ambitions of a single individual.
The internal strife is palpable, with Home Office Minister Mike Tapp expressing regret over the recent leadership speculation. He apologised to the public, stating that the current political climate is not what he was elected to navigate.
Why it Matters
The Makerfield by-election is not merely a local contest; it represents a critical juncture for the Labour Party and its leadership. As Andy Burnham seeks to re-establish his political career, the implications of this race extend far beyond the constituency. Should he succeed, it could ignite a leadership challenge that reshapes the future of Labour, while simultaneously testing the resilience of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership amid increasing dissent. The political dynamics at play will be closely watched as they could signal the broader direction of the party and its response to voter sentiment in the coming years.
