In a move that could shake up the Labour Party’s leadership dynamics, reports indicate that Deputy Leader Angela Rayner plans to publicly support Andy Burnham’s bid to stand as an MP in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. This paves the way for the popular Mayor of Greater Manchester to potentially return to Westminster, where he has been seen as a potential rival to current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Burnham has until 5pm on Saturday to put his name forward for the by-election, which was triggered by the current MP Andrew Gwynne’s decision to stand down due to “significant ill health”. If Burnham secures the Labour nomination, he would need to be approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which is widely viewed as being under the control of Starmer’s allies.
The prospect of Burnham’s return to Parliament has already sparked debate within the party. Some MPs have warned against any attempt to block his candidacy, arguing that it would provoke an internal row and be a “disaster for Labour”. Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw, took to social media to state: “Let the North decide who their Labour candidate should be for the Gorton and Denton by-election. A London stitch-up will be a disaster for Labour.”
Similarly, Connor Naissmith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: “Gorton and Denton deserve the best possible choice of candidate. I agree with the prime minister that our attention should be on delivering for the public, not speculating about future leadership contests. Any decision made to limit the choice would be wrong.”
However, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has cautioned against any moves that could “rock the boat” and destabilise the party, warning that “parties that air their dirty linen in public, that fight and bitch and moan, usually are a huge turnoff to the electorate.” Lammy also expressed uncertainty about whether Burnham truly wants to return to Westminster politics, suggesting that it may not be the best course of action for the party.
The upcoming by-election and the potential implications for Labour’s leadership will undoubtedly be closely watched by political observers and the public alike. As the party navigates these turbulent waters, the outcome could have significant ramifications for its future direction and the balance of power within the opposition.
