Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is reportedly planning a return to Westminster “within weeks” in a bid to challenge Sir Keir Starmer, according to reports. The Labour mayor has identified several seats where MPs are prepared to step aside, triggering a by-election that could pave the way for his return to Parliament, The Guardian newspaper reported.
Leadership Challenge Avoided?
The newspaper also reported that Mr Burnham’s supporters are attempting to avoid a formal leadership challenge against the Prime Minister. Instead, they hope to kickstart a process for Sir Keir to stand down after what are expected to be disastrous results for Labour in the May 7 elections.
Previous By-Election Block
Mr Burnham was earlier this year blocked by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, after the previous MP Andrew Gwynne stood down citing health reasons. The NEC cited concerns about the costs of running a new Manchester mayoral election and fears that Reform could take the mayoralty as reasons for the decision.
Successor and Policy Platform
He is now reported to be lining up an “impressive” candidate to replace him as mayor, who The Guardian said was not a sitting MP. Mr Burnham, who served as health secretary in Gordon Brown’s government, is also said to be preparing a progressive policy platform for Government.
Constituencies in Focus
Constituencies across Merseyside and Greater Manchester are reportedly among those where MPs are prepared to stand aside for Mr Burnham, according to The Guardian. However, earlier this week, in an interview with the BBC, Labour MP for Bootle Peter Dowd rejected suggestions he was preparing to make way for Mr Burnham.
