The political landscape in Britain has been abuzz with speculation over the potential move by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham has expressed interest in standing as a candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, a move that could pave the way for his return to Westminster and a potential leadership bid.
The announcement of the by-election, triggered by the resignation of the sitting MP Andrew Gwynne, has fuelled rumours that Burnham, known as the “King of the North,” may be positioning himself for a leadership challenge. Burnham has sought permission from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand in the contest, a necessary step as he currently holds the position of mayor.
However, Burnham’s path to the Labour leadership is not without obstacles. Several members of the NEC, which includes many Starmer loyalists, have reportedly told the media that Burnham’s chances of being selected are “zero.” The NEC’s role in approving candidates and the requirement for Burnham to resign as mayor if elected to Parliament add further complexities to his potential bid.
Starmer has sought to quash any speculation about a leadership challenge, warning his MPs to stop talking about it and instead focus on the cost-of-living crisis and stability in Europe. The Labour leader has emphasised that “every minute we waste talking about anything other than the cost of living and stability in Europe and across the globe is a wasted minute.”
Despite the apparent resistance within the party’s leadership, Burnham’s personal popularity, particularly in Greater Manchester, and the growing dissatisfaction among some Labour MPs with the direction and polling of the party under Starmer, could work in his favour. Clive Lewis, the MP for Norwich South, has publicly backed Burnham for the leadership, suggesting he would be willing to give up his seat for the mayor to run.
The path to the Labour leadership would not be an easy one for Burnham. He would first need the support of 20% of Labour MPs, which would be at least 81 members, to launch a formal leadership bid. If successful in that initial hurdle, he would then need to win a leadership election among the party’s members nationwide.
While the prospect of a Burnham leadership challenge is still speculative, the political dynamics within the Labour Party and the growing popularity of the “King of the North” suggest that the party may be in for a potentially historic shake-up in the months ahead.