Starmer's allies launch a campaign to prevent Andy Burnham from returning to Parliament, sparking controversy and debate within the Labour Party. The campaign, dubbed 'Stop Andy Burnham', aims to block Burnham's potential return after a by-election triggered by the resignation of a Manchester MP. This move has ignited a heated discussion among party members and officials, with some predicting it would be impossible for Burnham to navigate the selection process due to the influence of Starmer loyalists on the national executive committee (NEC).
The Labour Party's machinery sprang into action when news broke that Andrew Gwynne was planning to resign due to ill health. Officials and MPs expressed concerns about the financial and political implications of a subsequent mayoral race. However, Burnham's allies argue that blocking his return to Parliament would face significant opposition from MPs, unions, and party members. Burnham, a former MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, has openly expressed his ambitions, prompting outrage among cabinet ministers and No 10 when he revealed that many MPs had urged him to run for Labour leader.
Despite the obstacles, Burnham's allies caution against overestimating the extent of planning, emphasizing his dedication to his current role as Greater Manchester mayor. They argue that Burnham would only return to national politics if he could contribute meaningfully. However, with polls indicating Starmer's unpopularity and concerns about Labour's performance in the next election, Burnham emerges as the only senior Labour figure with positive public approval ratings. This has led to a 'Stop Andy' campaign, with senior Labour figures and the party's machinery controlled by Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff, and his allies.
The government is expected to move forward with the by-election, which is likely to take place before the May elections. This could position Burnham for any potential aftermath. However, Burnham faces multiple challenges, including the NEC's selection process and the need to win the by-election in Gorton and Denton against Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents. The unions, a significant force on the party's ruling body, are divided on the issue, with some expressing concerns about the potential destabilization of the party.
The controversy surrounding Burnham's potential return to Parliament has sparked intense debate, with questions about the democratic process and the influence of Starmer's allies. As the Labour Party grapples with this internal conflict, the outcome of the by-election and Burnham's future in politics remain uncertain, leaving the party and its members to navigate a complex and divisive situation.
