Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has a credible plan to return to Westminster “within weeks”, his allies have claimed, amid growing pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to sources close to Burnham, several Labour MPs are prepared to step aside in their constituencies to allow him to contest a by-election and launch a leadership bid.
Burnham’s team is said to have identified multiple seats in Greater Manchester and Merseyside where MPs would vacate their positions. The move follows reports that the number of MPs backing Burnham has exceeded the 80 required to trigger a formal leadership challenge, though supporters hope to avoid a contest and instead persuade Starmer to set a timetable to stand down after the local elections on 7 May.
Allies say Burnham plans to outline a “radical rewiring” of the state, including introducing proportional representation, a 10-year growth plan for local services, and an overhaul of inheritance tax to fund social care. An “impressive” candidate, not a sitting MP, has reportedly been lined up to replace Burnham as mayor if he secures a parliamentary seat.
However, Burnham’s path is not straightforward. Labour’s National Executive Committee previously blocked him from standing in a by-election, and senior figures say there is no route through that committee. Some union leaders, including GMB, have ruled out supporting Burnham due to his ties with Ed Miliband, while others, such as Unison, are being courted by his allies.
One Burnham supporter said: “He’s just so obviously the person best placed to turn the Labour party around. He has popularity in terms of polling, personality, and a plan.” The source added that a broader policy platform would emerge after the May elections, aiming to replicate Manchester’s model across the country.
