The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has confirmed that he has sought permission from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand as the party’s candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. This move could pave the way for Burnham’s return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
In a statement published on social media, Burnham said that he had given assurances to the Prime Minister that if elected, he would “support the work of the government, not undermine it.” He added that he had come to the conclusion that this is the moment to mount the “strongest possible defence of what we stand for and what we have built in this city over many generations.”
Burnham’s supporters have already warned the party against using the NEC, which includes many Starmer loyalists, to block his candidacy, calling it “outrageous” and a display of “nasty factionalism” that puts party politics before beating Nigel Farage’s Reform party in the seat.
Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, and deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell are among those calling for local members to be allowed to decide who represents them in the by-election. Sir Sadiq said Labour needs “all the talent playing for them” and committed to campaigning for Burnham in Gorton and Denton if he is selected as the candidate.
Labour MPs have also voiced their support for Burnham, with Ian Byrne MP saying that the party hierarchy “should be begging Andy Burnham to stand.” However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declined to say whether he supports Burnham’s bid, stating that it is a matter for the party, not the Cabinet.
Burnham’s potential return to Westminster comes at a critical time for the Labour Party, as it seeks to regain the trust of the electorate and mount a credible challenge to the government. The Gorton and Denton by-election will be a key battleground, and Burnham’s candidacy could be a significant boost for Labour’s chances of retaining the seat.