Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has until 5pm on Saturday to decide whether to stand in the upcoming by-election for the Gorton and Denton constituency. This decision could have significant implications, as winning the parliamentary seat would allow Burnham to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership.
However, Burnham faces several hurdles in his potential bid. As a directly-elected mayor, he needs permission from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to put his name forward as a candidate. Some of Starmer’s allies on the committee are reportedly seeking to block Burnham from standing, a move that could anger Labour MPs who support the mayor.
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, who sits on the NEC, has indicated her support for Burnham, describing him as “an incredibly popular politician” and saying she wants “the very best candidate” to be selected for the by-election. Powell, who represents a Manchester constituency, has urged Labour members to “get behind Keir Starmer” and avoid in-fighting.
The decision on Burnham’s candidacy will be made by the 10 NEC officers, including Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and party chair Ellie Reeves. They will inform Burnham of their decision on Sunday, with the final deadline for all applicants to apply as Labour’s candidate coming at midnight on the same day.
The Gorton and Denton constituency has traditionally been a safe Labour seat, with the party winning the last election with an 18,000-vote majority. However, the by-election could still prove challenging, with Labour MPs divided on whether they want Burnham to return to the House of Commons.
Some, like Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Wyre, have expressed disappointment at the prospect of Burnham being blocked from standing. Others, such as Graham Stringer, the MP for Blackley and Middleton South, have warned that a by-election could be “high-risk” for the party and that Burnham should not take the chance.
With the deadline looming, Burnham’s decision will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the future of the Labour Party.
