Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer has engaged in discussions with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham following the party’s controversial move to exclude him from the Gorton and Denton by-election. The exchanges occurred after Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) deemed Burnham’s candidacy too costly, igniting a significant debate within the party.
Burnham’s Exclusion Sparks Controversy
Speaking to reporters during his flight to China, Starmer dismissed suggestions that Burnham had been pre-emptively informed of his exclusion from the candidate list. He stated, “I know who was talking to Andy on Saturday and that wasn’t said.” This assertion aims to quell speculation regarding the internal communications leading to the decision.
When asked about the potential for Burnham to return to the Commons, Starmer remarked, “That’s a matter for Andy,” while praising Burnham’s performance as mayor. The Prime Minister stressed that Labour is the only party capable of defeating Reform UK in the by-election, framing the contest as a crucial battle against divisive politics. “You can see from their candidate what politics they’re going to bring to that constituency — the politics of toxic division,” he asserted.
The NEC’s Decision: Financial Concerns at Play
The NEC’s ruling came after Burnham reportedly had no prior indication of his disqualification from the candidacy. He firmly rejected claims that Downing Street had alerted him to the decision, asserting, “It is simply untrue to say that I was told that I would be blocked.” This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the situation, highlighting potential fractures within the party.
The committee, consisting of ten members, cited the “disproportionate” financial implications of Burnham’s candidacy as a key reason for their decision. Burnham’s exclusion has prompted discontent among party ranks, with approximately 50 Labour MPs signing a letter urging the NEC to reconsider its stance.
The By-Election Context
The impending by-election was necessitated by the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down for health reasons. In the 2024 general election, Labour secured Gorton and Denton with a commanding 13,000-vote majority, with Reform UK trailing closely in second place, garnering 5,000 votes. The selection of academic and political campaigner Matt Goodwin as the Reform candidate has further intensified the race.
Internal Strife: A Test for Labour Unity
Starmer’s decision to bar Burnham, a prominent figure and potential leadership contender, raises questions about the Labour Party’s internal dynamics. The response from Labour MPs indicates significant unease within the party, suggesting that the exclusion could have broader implications for party unity and strategy moving forward.
Why it Matters
As Labour gears up for a critical by-election, the tensions between Starmer and Burnham underscore the fragile state of party cohesion. With the potential for Burnham’s return to parliamentary politics remaining uncertain, the decisions made in this instance could shape Labour’s trajectory ahead of future elections. The handling of this situation will not only influence Labour’s electoral prospects but will also set the tone for party leadership dynamics in the months to come.
