The Commons may have been poised for a shake-up, but former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne has made it clear he has no plans to step aside.
This decision dashes any hopes that Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could return to Westminster to mount a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Controversy Shadows Gwynne’s Career
Gwynne, MP for Gorton & Denton, was previously thought to be considering retirement due to medical reasons, a move that could have triggered a by-election.
However, his decision to serve a full term comes after months of scrutiny over offensive WhatsApp messages in a group called Trigger Me Timbers.
In the messages, Gwynne made shocking comments, including wishing harm on a pensioner who didn’t vote Labour and making anti-Semitic remarks.
He later apologised for these “badly misjudged comments” and accepted the consequences imposed by the party.
Despite this, he now insists he will remain in the Commons until the next general election, effectively closing the door on Burnham’s potential return via Gorton & Denton.
Manchester Mayor’s Path to Westminster Blocked
Gwynne’s decision comes amid wider discussions about whether Burnham should leave his role as Greater Manchester mayor to re-enter national politics. Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Middleton South, also confirmed he would not step aside to allow a by-election.
Meanwhile, Business Secretary Peter Kyle suggested Burnham’s talents are better suited to Manchester than Westminster.
Kyle praised Burnham as a “real talent” and emphasised the mayor’s importance to the city: “It would be a shame for Manchester to lose him.”
Reform UK and the Election Challenge
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has questioned Burnham’s chances if he were to contest a seat, warning that it could be an “epic battle” and potentially humiliating for the mayor. With Reform polling strongly in some local seats, the race would not be straightforward.
Burnham Remains Open to Westminster Return
Despite these obstacles, Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester that he has “never ruled out going back to Westminster.”
Public opinion polls suggest he would be a strong contender for Labour leadership, with a More in Common survey showing 32 per cent of voters would prefer him as Prime Minister over Sir Keir Starmer’s 22 per cent.
Popularity in the North and Beyond
Known as the “king of the north,” Burnham has significant support in his home region.
The poll found 49 per cent of respondents in the North West back him as a better alternative, with 40 per cent of Scots agreeing.
He also outperforms Starmer among non-Labour voters, showing cross-party appeal.
Luke Tryl, director of More in Common, noted that Burnham’s strongest support comes from his own region but extends across the country: “Across Labour voters and the wider public, Burnham is the strongest alternative.”
Momentum Builds Within Labour
Research from Ipsos in July echoed these findings, suggesting Burnham is seen as a strong potential leader.
Party insiders describe him as the only front-runner untainted by current government decisions, with more than 80 MPs reportedly willing to nominate him.
Neal Lawson of campaign group Compass added that Burnham is gaining popularity and is increasingly viewed as having the character and politics to lead the country.