A senior Cabinet minister has declared the controversial decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in a parliamentary by-election as firmly "done and dusted," even as a significant rebellion brews within Labour ranks. Housing Secretary Steve Reed made the statement following revelations that around fifty Labour MPs have signed a strongly-worded letter objecting to the move, warning it reinforces public cynicism about politics being a "remote stitch-up."
Minister Defends NEC Decision Amid Growing Backlash
Speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday, Mr Reed acknowledged that MPs who signed the protest letter are "entitled to their view," but firmly defended the ruling by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC). He insisted the decision was taken to ensure Mr Burnham completes his full four-year term as Mayor of Greater Manchester, serving the people who elected him. "They're entitled to their view, of course they are, but Labour's ruling National Executive Committee took the decision this weekend that it is better for Andy Burnham to continue to serve out his full four-year term as mayor of Manchester," he told BBC Breakfast.
When questioned directly about whether the blocking of Mr Burnham's candidacy in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election was motivated by fears of a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Reed was unequivocal. "No, it's got absolutely nothing to do with that at all," he stated to Times Radio. He emphasised that Mr Burnham had made a commitment to his mayoral term and that Manchester residents deserve the continuity of his "outstanding" work.
Labour MPs Warn of 'Remote Stitch-Up' Perception
The internal dissent has crystallised in a formal letter addressed to Sir Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in her capacity as NEC chairwoman, and Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley. A copy obtained by the Press Association reveals the depth of concern among parliamentarians. The letter argues there is "no legitimate reason" for preventing Mr Burnham from standing and expresses "a huge amount of anxiety and anger" within the Parliamentary Labour Party and among local members nationwide.
The MPs' communication delivers a stark warning about the political optics of the decision. "At this moment of serious public cynicism about politics, denying our local members real choice and a chance to exercise their democratic voice only reinforces the idea that politics is a remote stitch-up from a small group of people at the very top in London," the letter states. The identities of the approximately fifty signatories are not expected to be made public, highlighting the sensitive nature of the internal rift.
Starmer's Leadership and Party Unity Under Scrutiny
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally defended the NEC's decision, which was made by a ten-member sub-committee including himself during a vote on Sunday. On Monday, he argued that allowing Mr Burnham to contest a Westminster seat would divert crucial Labour resources away from campaigning for the vital local elections in May. Sir Keir framed the political landscape as a battle between Labour and Reform UK, appealing for party unity ahead of what he called "a fight that matters hugely to the future of our country."
However, critics within the party accuse the Prime Minister and his allies of acting for factional reasons. They suggest the block is driven by apprehension over a potential leadership challenge from the popular mayor, especially as both Labour's national poll ratings and Sir Keir's personal approval numbers face difficulties. This internal tension was palpable during a closed-door meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday.
Attorney General Lord Hermer addressed MPs, seeking to rally them and insisting Labour would "change this country for the better." While some leaving the meeting described his speech as a "tour de force" and reported a good-humoured mood, others remained deeply sceptical. One MP told the Press Association a grim prediction: "Defeat in Gorton and Denton in February means it's all over for Keir after May's elections if they go as expected." The MP speculated that either Downing Street is "clueless at political management" or that figures around Sir Keir are manoeuvring to replace him with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Burnham's Response and the Road Ahead
Andy Burnham himself has expressed disappointment with the NEC's ruling. In a statement on social media, he said he was "concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us." Despite his personal setback, Mr Burnham pledged to "return with full focus" to his duties as Mayor of Greater Manchester and urged the party to unite against "the divisive politics of Reform."
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has sought to project strength and stability regarding his own position. In an interview with Bloomberg, when asked if he would stand in any leadership contest, he pointed to his electoral mandate: "I've got a five year mandate. It's a considerable mandate. I intend to deliver on that." This statement was widely interpreted as a signal to any potential rivals within the party that he intends to serve his full term and resist pressure on his leadership.
The situation leaves the Labour Party navigating a delicate balance between internal democratic processes, leadership authority, and public perception. With a critical by-election in Gorton and Denton looming and pivotal local elections on the horizon, the fallout from the "done and dusted" decision on Andy Burnham's political future continues to reverberate through Westminster and beyond.
