Labour MPs in the North-West of England are set to convene amid speculation that Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, could seek to contest a Westminster by-election and challenge the Prime Minister’s authority. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is expected to lend her support to Burnham’s potential parliamentary bid.
The gathering of Labour’s MPs from the North-West region will see Rayner, who previously served as deputy to party leader Sir Keir Starmer, throw her weight behind Burnham’s prospective move from City Hall to the House of Commons. This development comes as the party navigates a critical juncture, with the prospect of a high-profile by-election potentially providing a platform for Burnham to amplify his profile and political influence.
Burnham, who has carved out a prominent role as a vocal advocate for the North, has long been rumoured as a potential Westminster candidate. His decision to potentially seek a return to national politics would mark a significant shift in the political landscape, as he would be positioning himself to directly challenge the authority of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The speculation surrounding Burnham’s intentions has been fuelled by the ongoing tensions within the Labour Party, with the Manchester Mayor having at times adopted a more independent stance compared to the party’s national leadership. His willingness to break ranks and advocate for the interests of the North has earned him a substantial following, particularly among Labour’s left-wing faction.
Rayner’s expected endorsement of Burnham’s potential Westminster bid underscores the complex dynamics within the Labour Party, as the party navigates the challenges of presenting a united front ahead of the next general election. The former deputy leader’s support for Burnham could be seen as a strategic move to bolster the party’s presence in the North, where it has historically held a strong base of support.
The upcoming Labour conference in the North-West will be closely watched as the party seeks to chart a path forward amid the ongoing political turbulence. The prospect of Burnham’s potential Westminster bid, backed by Rayner, has the potential to reshape the political landscape and inject a new level of energy into the party’s efforts to challenge the government’s authority.
