Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is in the midst of a fresh internal storm after the decision to block Andy Burnham from returning to Westminster sparked anger and warnings of “bloodletting” among MPs.
The move, which saw the Prime Minister and allies vote against the Greater Manchester mayor’s bid for a Commons seat, has widened existing divisions within the party.
Burnham’s Ambitions Thwarted
Burnham, often called the “King of the North,” had announced his intention to resign as mayor and contest the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election following the resignation of former minister Andrew Gwynne.
The former health secretary, who had been a focus of speculation as a potential challenger for the Labour leadership, needed the NEC officers committee’s approval to step down and stand in Parliament.
In a brief 45-minute meeting, the committee rejected his request by eight votes to one.
Starmer, along with party chairwoman Anna Turley, opposed the move, citing the financial cost of holding a mayoral election.
Only Lucy Powell supported Burnham’s return to Westminster, leaving the former mayor’s hopes in limbo.
Backlash from Party Figures
Soft-left MPs and union leaders were quick to express their disapproval.
Karl Turner warned that “there’ll be a lot of bloodletting in the Parliamentary Labour Party” over the decision, while Unison’s Andrea Egan criticized the move as undemocratic.
Jon Trickett said, “Strong leaders don’t hide from talent, they make common cause,” highlighting a growing frustration among some senior figures with Starmer’s faction.
Electoral Risks Loom
The controversy has raised concerns about Labour’s hold on the by-election.
Analysis commissioned by the MoS suggests the seat could swing to the Greens, and Reform could win if the Tories stand aside.
Such predictions have fueled speculation about potential pacts between right-leaning parties and increased pressure on Labour to avoid internal conflict that could hand an advantage to opponents.
Richard Burgon of the Socialist Campaign Group accused Starmer’s faction of prioritizing factional interests over party success, warning that the decision “will only deepen the crisis the party is in.”
Labour’s Official Response
Labour defended the decision, stating that triggering a mayoral election would disproportionately drain resources ahead of upcoming local, Scottish, and Welsh elections.
They emphasized that while the party would likely retain the mayoralty, it could not risk jeopardizing Labour’s control of Greater Manchester.
Questions Over Motives
Some senior figures questioned Burnham’s timing and motives.
Lord Walney mocked the “football metaphor” arguments made by Burnham’s supporters, arguing that the by-election was a choice made by the mayor rather than an unavoidable strategic necessity.
Burnham’s Perspective
Burnham posted his NEC letter on social media, stressing that his decision to seek Parliament was made with careful thought for the party and the people of Manchester.
He described his planned campaign as “hopeful and unifying” and insisted he intended to support rather than undermine the government.
Leadership Implications
The move follows Gwynne’s resignation amid controversy over offensive WhatsApp messages, which had left a vacancy that Burnham hoped to contest.
Supporters see him as a credible challenger to Starmer, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting regarded as Burnham’s main rival in any potential leadership battle.
What’s Next
With Labour’s internal divisions now public and Burnham’s path blocked, all eyes will be on how the party manages its factions, retains electoral strength, and navigates the looming by-election.
The outcome could have lasting repercussions for Starmer’s leadership and the party’s broader strategy ahead of the next general election.
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