A political storm is brewing within the Labour Party, with a bold move by Sir Keir Starmer's allies that has sparked controversy and divided opinions. The decision to block Andy Burnham's bid to return as an MP has ignited a fiery debate, leaving many questioning the party's strategy.
As the directly elected mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham sought approval from Labour's national executive committee (NEC) to stand as a candidate in an upcoming parliamentary by-election in Gorton and Denton. However, his application was met with resistance, and the NEC, including key figures like Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and party chair Ellie Reeves, voted to block his candidacy.
But here's where it gets controversial... Labour sources revealed concerns about the potential costs of replacing Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor and the prospect of a divisive campaign. Additionally, allies of Sir Keir Starmer feared Burnham, a former cabinet minister, might challenge Starmer's leadership if he returned to Westminster.
The move has infuriated Labour MPs and ministers, who argue that local party members should have had the right to choose the Greater Manchester mayor as their candidate. It's a high-stakes gamble by Starmer's allies, risking tensions within the party, especially given Labour's consistent polling behind Reform UK.
One senior Labour source, previously supportive of Burnham's candidacy, expressed their dismay: "They're gambling the PM's entire premiership on winning a challenging by-election without their strongest candidate. It's sheer madness!"
The decision was made by 10 NEC members, with an overwhelming 8-1 vote to block Burnham. Notably, the prime minister himself voted against Burnham's candidacy, while Mahmood abstained as chair, and Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell voted in favor.
Starmer's allies defend their stance, praising Burnham's performance as mayor and arguing that a mayoral by-election would be costly, both for the party and the country during a cost-of-living crisis. They worry that Reform UK could outspend Labour during the campaign.
The argument put forth by those who blocked Burnham's candidacy is that, amidst global geopolitical tensions and domestic concerns about the cost of living, the country has no appetite for revisiting the political dramas of the Tory years.
There was unanimous support within the NEC meeting for upholding Labour Party rules preventing mayors and PCCs from standing in by-elections, a source revealed.
Earlier, Home Secretary Mahmood highlighted the organizational implications of allowing elected mayors to run as candidates in parliamentary by-elections, adding that a mayoral election in Greater Manchester would be costly for taxpayers, with the last one amounting to approximately £4.7 million.
This decision has sparked a heated debate within the Labour Party, leaving many questioning the wisdom of blocking Burnham's candidacy. What do you think? Is this a strategic move or a risky gamble? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
