In a move that is set to shake up the Labour party, Angela Rayner is expected to urge party leaders against blocking Andy Burnham’s bid to run in an upcoming by-election. The former Deputy Leader is understood to be supportive of Burnham’s ambitions to return to Westminster, and is expected to champion members’ right to decide in a speech to party faithful on Saturday.
The Greater Manchester Mayor, who has made no secret of his leadership aspirations, must decide this Saturday whether to seek a comeback to the House of Commons. This opportunity has arisen following the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, the Labour MP for Gorton & Denton, who cited medical reasons for his departure. Gwynne’s exit opens the door for Burnham, who has long been viewed as a potential challenger to current party leader Keir Starmer.
However, Burnham’s candidacy would need to be approved by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which is dominated by Starmer loyalists. This could pose a significant hurdle, as there are concerns within the party establishment about Burnham’s potential to mount a leadership challenge.
In her upcoming speech, Rayner is expected to argue that members must be allowed to decide Burnham’s fate, rather than having it determined by party bosses. This move reflects the ongoing tensions within Labour, as the party navigates a path forward in the wake of its recent electoral defeats.
The by-election in Gorton & Denton will be a crucial test for both Burnham and the party leadership. With Burnham’s high profile and popularity among Labour’s grassroots, his potential candidacy could galvanize the party’s left-wing and challenge the status quo. However, Starmer and his allies will be keen to maintain their grip on the party’s direction, setting the stage for a potentially divisive battle.
As the Labour party grapples with these internal dynamics, the outcome of this by-election will have significant implications for the party’s future leadership and its ability to present a united front to the electorate.
