Andy Burnham has criticised Sir Keir Starmer and his allies after being denied permission to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election, warning he is “concerned” about the impact the decision may have on upcoming elections.
The Greater Manchester Mayor was blocked from contesting the seat by Labour’s 10-strong National Executive Committee, which ruled that allowing his candidacy would trigger an unnecessary mayoral by-election.
In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Burnham expressed his disappointment and took aim at those in control of the party’s ruling body. Writing on X, he said he had put himself forward to prevent “the divisive politics of Reform from damaging” what had been built in Greater Manchester over many years.
Mr Burnham pledged his full support to whoever is selected as Labour’s candidate and to party members in Manchester and Tameside, saying he would be available whenever needed. He confirmed he would return to his mayoral duties with “full focus” from tomorrow.
The NEC justified its decision by stating that a mayoral by-election would place substantial strain on campaign resources ahead of local and devolved elections in May. The party said Labour’s control of Greater Manchester “could not be put at any risk” and argued that taxpayers’ money would be better spent addressing the cost-of-living crisis.
In its statement, the committee praised Mr Burnham’s performance as mayor, saying he was “doing a great job” in the role.
However, senior Labour figures have indicated that the decision does not permanently close the door on a return to Westminster for Mr Burnham. The Greater Manchester Mayor’s current term runs until 2028, and party sources have suggested he could seek a parliamentary seat after that point.
The by-election was triggered following Andrew Gwynne’s resignation on health grounds. Labour faces a potentially challenging contest with both Reform and the Green Party polling strongly in recent months.
A candidate for the Gorton and Denton seat is yet to be confirmed.
