In a dramatic turn of events, the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne in Greater Manchester has opened the door for Andy Burnham, the popular Mayor of Greater Manchester, to potentially return to Westminster. The impending by-election has set off a flurry of speculation and political maneuvering within the Labour Party.
Gwynne, a former Labour minister, has announced his decision to step down, citing “significant ill health” and the advice of his GP to not return to work. This development has immediately prompted questions about Burnham’s next move, with the Mayor not ruling out a bid to contest the by-election and potentially challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership of the party.
The prospect of Burnham, a two-time Labour leadership contender, seeking to return to Parliament has already sparked internal tensions within the party. Some of Starmer’s supporters on Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are reportedly exploring ways to block Burnham from standing, fearing that a successful bid could trigger a leadership challenge.
However, Burnham’s allies among Labour MPs could push the party to overturn any decision by the NEC to prevent him from running. The rules and procedures for selecting a candidate for the by-election are yet to be determined, but the process is likely to be closely watched and potentially contentious.
Burnham has so far refrained from directly commenting on his intentions, stating that people “shouldn’t rush to conclusions.” Yet, his previous remarks about being urged by Labour MPs to return to Westminster and challenge Starmer’s leadership have fueled speculation about his ambitions.
The potential by-election in Gorton and Denton, where Gwynne won with a significant majority in the 2024 general election, is seen as a crucial test for Labour’s standing. While the party is currently facing a dip in popularity, recent polling suggests they could hold on to the seat.
However, the involvement of other political parties, such as the Reform UK and the Greens, could complicate the race and potentially split the left-wing vote. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has already declared his party’s intention to mount a strong challenge, while the Greens have also signaled their readiness to contest the by-election.
As the political landscape in Greater Manchester and Westminster continues to evolve, the coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the fate of Andy Burnham’s potential return to national politics and the impact it could have on the Labour Party’s leadership and direction.
