Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced his intention to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, reigniting speculation about a potential leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham, 56, submitted his application just before the Saturday deadline, stating that he believes this is the moment to mount the “strongest possible defence” of Labour’s values and achievements in the region.
Burnham’s decision comes after months of rumours that he was eyeing a return to Westminster, potentially to position himself as a successor to Starmer. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former minister Andrew Gwynne, who cited health reasons for his departure.
In a letter to Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which controls the party’s candidate selection process, Burnham acknowledged that his decision had been a “difficult” one, but he felt it was in the best interests of both the party and Greater Manchester. He pledged to “support the work of government, not undermine it,” should he be elected.
However, Burnham’s application could still be blocked by the NEC, which is dominated by Starmer allies. Some within the party are concerned that allowing Burnham to run would distract from Labour’s crucial electoral battles, with one MP warning that it would create a “Burnham circus” that would divert resources away from other key races.
Conversely, prominent figures such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell have expressed support for Burnham’s candidacy, arguing that the party should welcome his return to parliament. Powell praised Burnham as “incredibly popular” and someone who has “changed Manchester for the better.”
The Gorton and Denton by-election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with Reform UK and the Green Party also expected to field strong candidates. Burnham’s bid has the potential to further complicate the political landscape, as he is seen by some as a potential challenger to Starmer’s leadership.
As the Labour Party grapples with these internal dynamics, the focus will be on whether the NEC will greenlight Burnham’s application and allow him to stand in the by-election, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes battle within the party.
