With Andrew Gwynne’s announcement to step down as an MP, the door has opened for a potential Labour leadership rival to the Prime Minister to make a comeback to Westminster. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is reportedly being urged by his allies to contest the resulting by-election, setting up a potential clash with Sir Keir Starmer’s supporters.
Burnham, who previously served as an MP from 2001 to 2017, has long been viewed as a potential threat to Starmer’s leadership. His popular, left-leaning brand of politics and high profile during the COVID-19 pandemic have made him a favourite among many in the party’s grassroots. However, Starmer’s allies are now said to be gearing up to block any attempt by Burnham to return to the Commons.
The by-election in Gwynne’s Denton and Reddish constituency is expected to be a closely watched affair, with both Starmer and Burnham camps keen to make their mark. Burnham’s supporters argue that his experience and profile would make him an ideal candidate to take on the Conservatives in a key Red Wall seat. But Starmer’s team are determined to ensure their preferred choice secures the Labour nomination.
“There is going to be a real battle for this by-election,” said one Labour source. “Burnham’s team see it as a golden opportunity, but Starmer’s allies know how important it is to keep him out of Westminster. They will throw everything at preventing him from getting selected.”
Burnham himself has remained coy on his intentions, stating only that he is “focused on the job” as Greater Manchester Mayor. However, with growing speculation over a potential leadership challenge, his every move is being closely watched by both allies and opponents within the party.
The by-election is likely to be a closely watched affair, with the outcome potentially having significant ramifications for the future direction of the Labour Party. Starmer will be keen to reassert his authority, while Burnham’s supporters will see it as a chance to boost his national profile. Whichever way it goes, the battle for Denton and Reddish is set to be a key battleground in Labour’s internal power struggles.