Labour will decide today whether to approve Andy Burnham’s candidacy for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The mayor of Greater Manchester announced his bid, saying he wanted to support the Labour government, not undermine it.
Some allies of Prime Minister Keir Starmer may oppose the move. They fear Burnham could challenge party leadership if he returns to Westminster.
Several Labour MPs criticized the idea of blocking him, arguing Burnham brings experience and credibility to the table.
Labour’s National Executive Committee will meet at 11:00 GMT. Only ten members, including Starmer, deputy leader Lucy Powell, and party chair Ellie Reeves, will vote.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who chairs the NEC, stressed that candidate approval for elected mayors carries organizational implications. She promised to ensure proper debate during the discussion.
The decision could also affect taxpayers. Holding a mayoral election would cost millions, as the last Greater Manchester vote totaled £4.7 million.
Mahmood described Burnham as an “exceptional politician” and said she trusts his assurance that he would support Starmer’s government.
Even if the NEC approves his candidacy, Burnham must pass further hurdles. Local members will vote after the selection panel shortlists candidates. The party may still implement an all-women shortlist.
The calculation for Labour is delicate. Blocking a popular mayor could backfire, yet allowing a potential leadership contender could create internal tensions.
Burnham said he left Westminster nearly a decade ago because it wasn’t working for his region. As mayor, he tried to pioneer a new political approach.
He emphasized that national politics now require similar reforms and that he felt the need to return.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan supports Burnham’s candidacy. He said the mayor should be able to stand for Parliament if he wishes.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called him a “massive asset” and encouraged party members to consider him for selection.
However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting cautioned that winning the seat would trigger a mayoral election, adding complexity and cost.
Gorton and Denton historically vote Labour, but the party’s support has declined. Reform UK and the Green Party could challenge Labour in the upcoming by-election.
The Andy Burnham candidacy decision could reshape both Greater Manchester politics and Labour’s future leadership dynamics.
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