LONDON, January 26 — British Labour Party politician Andy Burnham was blocked on Sunday from seeking to return to parliament, a move that has ignited internal conflict and accusations that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is sidelining a potential leadership rival.
Burnham, the high-profile Mayor of Greater Manchester, expressed his disappointment and criticised the party’s handling of the decision. “The fact that the media was informed of the NEC decision before I was tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days,” he said in a post on social media.
The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which includes Starmer, voted 8-1 to refuse Burnham permission to stand as the candidate for the vacant seat of Gorton and Denton. This prevents Burnham from securing the parliamentary platform required to formally challenge Starmer’s leadership.
Official Reason vs. Political Reality
In a statement, the Labour Party said, “Andy Burnham is doing a great job as Mayor of Greater Manchester,” and argued that blocking his candidacy avoided the unnecessary cost to taxpayers and party funds of a mayoral by-election to replace him.
However, critics within the party see it as a clear political manoeuvre. Left-wing lawmaker John McDonnell accused Starmer of “cowardice” in an open message, stating the move would “hasten your demise.”
Context of Party Struggle
The decision comes at a difficult time for Labour, which trails Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK in opinion polls ahead of key local elections in May. The party has struggled to deliver on its 2024 election promises regarding the economy, public services, and immigration.
The sensitivity around Starmer’s position was highlighted last week when the resignation of the Gorton and Denton MP triggered a brief selloff in UK government bonds. Investors speculated that Burnham—viewed as favouring higher public spending, could win the seat and mount a leadership challenge.
Burnham’s initial response included a call for party unity, but his subsequent criticism underscores deepening rifts. The decision means Starmer avoids any immediate formal challenge in parliament but could fuel growing discontent among Labour’s left wing and broader membership.
