Labour NEC Blocks Andy Burnham from Gorton and Denton By-election
Party leadership cites costs and electoral strategy in decision that sparks internal dissent.
Sarah Connor
The Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has definitively ruled out Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, a contest anticipated to take place on February 26.
The Labour Party's ruling body feared that Burnham's candidacy could lead to a defeat in the historically safe Labour seat, potentially triggering destabilizing leadership speculation.
The decision has generated considerable backlash, with over 50 backbench Labour MPs signing a private letter to express their dissatisfaction, viewing the move as a significant advantage for Reform UK.
Anonymous Labour MPs described the NEC's decision as 'petty factionalism,' suggesting a deep division within the party regarding the leadership's approach to candidate selection.
Public opinion among Labour voters appears divided, with only 16% believing the NEC's decision was correct, while a substantial 46% deemed it wrong.
Sir Keir Starmer was among the 10 NEC members who voted against allowing Mr. Burnham to seek selection for the Gorton and Denton seat, underscoring the leadership's direct involvement.
Senior Labour figures now privately anticipate a loss in the Gorton and Denton by-election following the exclusion of Mr. Burnham, reflecting a perceived weakening of the party's electoral prospects.
The Gorton and Denton seat was secured by Labour in 2024 with a majority of 13,000 votes. The upcoming by-election follows the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne for health reasons.
The Muslim Vote has declared its endorsement of the Green Party in the by-election. The Green Party is now considering deploying its deputy leader, Mothin Ali, as their candidate.
The Muslim Vote believes the Green Party presents the most viable opportunity to win the by-election, potentially drawing significant support from traditional Labour voters.
Reform UK is set to reveal its candidate for the contest at a press conference in the constituency on Tuesday, aiming to capitalize on the internal Labour discord.
Nigel Farage claimed that Labour's decision to block Andy Burnham has directly boosted Reform UK's prospects, asserting the move will ultimately serve his party's interests.
Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to commence a visit to China, removing him from the domestic political scene for several days as the party manages the fallout from the NEC decision.
Labour MPs have been urged by party chair Anna Turley to unite and focus on presenting a 'positive message' heading into the election to mitigate further internal damage.
The Green Party is actively assessing its chances in the race, with a potential candidacy bolstered by The Muslim Vote's endorsement threatening to fragment the vote.
Forecasts suggest Labour could be relegated to third place in the by-election, trailing behind Reform UK and the Green Party.
Andy Burnham stated that the NEC's verdict was made public before he had been officially informed, suggesting a breakdown in internal communication processes.
A senior Government source commented that Labour would have risked losing control of Greater Manchester if they had lost the by-election with Burnham as their candidate.
Labour MPs voiced concerns that denying local members a choice in candidate selection reinforces the perception of politics as a 'remote stitch-up,' fueling public distrust.
John McDonnell stated that Starmer's decision will hasten his demise, while Andrea Egan claims the party 'cannot allow those currently in charge to take us down with them.'
Unnamed Starmer allies claim Burnham was told 'in no uncertain terms' that any request to the NEC to put his name forward would be refused.
Downing Street sources claim Mr. Burnham applied to become the candidate even though he knew he would be rejected.
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Uk PoliticsGreater ManchesterLabour PartyConservative PartyPoliticsKeir StarmerReform UkNigel FarageSir Keir StarmerLondonManchesterElectionsBy-ElectionAndy BurnhamUk ParliamentGorton And Denton