Unison general secretary Andrea Egan has warned Labour to ensure a democratic process in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection, amid reports of a 'Stop Andy Burnham' campaign to prevent him from challenging Sir Keir Starmer.
Egan, who started her role on Thursday, posted on X: 'I'm sure all trade unionists expect a democratic process for Gorton & Denton in which local party members decide who they want to represent them. We've seen enough control-freakery in the Labour party and it has done our movement nothing but harm.'
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of independent MP Andrew Gwynne on medical grounds. Burnham, currently mayor of Greater Manchester, has not confirmed he will stand, but allies say there would be significant disquiet if the leadership blocked his return to parliament.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock insisted the selection process would be standard, despite rumours of an all-women or all-BAME shortlist. He told BBC Breakfast: 'It will be like any other selection process and those rules and procedures will be set in due course.'
Labour won the seat with a 13,413 majority in 2024, but Reform UK and the Greens came second and third with 14% and 13% of the vote respectively, suggesting a tight contest ahead.
