Labour’s internal tensions spilled further into the open as pressure mounted on Keir Starmer over his decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in a key by-election.
What began as a strategic call is now morphing into a full-blown party backlash, with MPs, unions, and political rivals all weighing in — and the noise is getting louder by the day.
MPs Turn Up the Heat on the Prime Minister
Discontent inside Labour is no longer limited to quiet grumbling.
One MP has openly urged the Prime Minister to “consider his position,” while more than 50 backbenchers are said to have signed a letter condemning how the decision was handled.
Some MPs are also pushing for an emergency meeting of Labour’s ruling body to revisit — and possibly reverse — the move.
Several MPs believe blocking Burnham has only sped up what they see as an inevitable leadership reckoning, especially with damaging local election results expected in May.
One warned the decision may have “hastened his demise” by increasing the likelihood of a leadership challenge.
Farage Smiles as Labour Argues
Nigel Farage wasted no time enjoying Labour’s discomfort.
The Reform UK leader openly welcomed Burnham being kept off the ballot, saying the Greater Manchester mayor would have been “very difficult to beat” in the upcoming by-election.
Farage went further, claiming his party’s chances had “improved massively” now that Burnham is out of the race — comments guaranteed to further irritate Labour MPs already furious about the situation.
Burnham’s Subtle but Sharp Response
Andy Burnham himself has largely accepted the decision, though not without a few pointed remarks.
After Labour figures dismissed the row as an “inward-looking psychodrama,” Burnham replied dryly that losing a by-election wouldn’t exactly help the party either.
At a separate event, he also drew an implicit contrast between Labour’s national leadership and its northern base, praising what he called the “Greater Manchester way” — a style of politics rooted in unity rather than internal rivalry.
The comments have only added fuel to concerns about a growing North-South divide within the party.
Starmer Defends His Call — But Few Are Convinced
Keir Starmer has stood firm, arguing that allowing Burnham to run would have drained resources better used fighting local elections across England, Scotland, and Wales.
He praised Burnham’s work as mayor and called for unity ahead of what he described as a defining electoral battle with Reform.
Yet his appeal for calm did little to cool the anger. Critics say the explanation rings hollow and that the damage to party morale may already be done.
Dissent Spreads Beyond the Left
While much of the early criticism came from Labour’s left wing, opposition to the decision is now much broader.
Former Cabinet minister Louise Haigh warned that the party would “all come to regret this” if the move isn’t reversed.
Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson broke ranks publicly, while others have voiced their frustration behind closed doors.
One MP described Starmer as “not Mr Popular on the doorsteps,” predicting a leadership challenge later this year.
Claims of a London-Centric Power Grab
The letter signed by more than 50 MPs paints a picture of a leadership disconnected from the grassroots.
It accuses a “small group of people at the very top in London” of engineering a stitch-up and argues there is no legitimate reason to deny Burnham the chance to stand.
The letter also highlights polling suggesting Burnham may have been Labour’s strongest possible candidate — making the decision all the more baffling to critics.
Trade Unions Add Their Voices
Labour’s trade union allies have also lined up against the move.
The TSSA union said the party had “lost its way,” while Unison’s general secretary argued that the decision was not how “any democratic organisation should be run.”
Their intervention underscores just how wide the discontent now runs.
Behind the Scenes: Accepting Defeat?
Privately, some Labour figures appear resigned to losing the by-election altogether.
One senior government source admitted the party expects defeat but framed the choice as damage limitation — arguing that losing Greater Manchester to Reform would have been far worse.
Another party insider was even blunter, saying no one realistically expects Labour to win.
Reform Sees a Clear Opening
Farage has been quick to capitalise, insisting that Burnham’s absence will allow anti-Starmer voters to rally behind Reform instead.
According to him, Burnham would have boosted turnout and united opposition to Reform — something he believes won’t happen now.
The By-Election That Sparked It All
The Gorton and Denton by-election, scheduled for February 26, was triggered by the suspension of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne after offensive WhatsApp messages were exposed.
What should have been a routine test of party strength has instead become a flashpoint for Labour’s internal power struggle.
So, What Comes Next?
With MPs openly rebelling, unions criticising the leadership, and rivals sensing opportunity, the fallout from blocking Andy Burnham shows no sign of fading.
Whether Labour reverses course, presses ahead regardless, or stumbles into a deeper crisis may determine not just the outcome of one by-election — but the future of Keir Starmer’s leadership itself.
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