Andy Burnham has told Labour MPs to 'hold the line' and insisted he still has options to return to parliament, despite several potential seats identified by his allies failing to materialise. The Greater Manchester mayor spoke to a number of MPs by phone on Tuesday, seeking to reassure supporters after two seats described as 'nailed on' as recently as Monday night fell out of contention.
Two MPs whose seats were reportedly under consideration, Jeff Smith (Manchester Withington) and Afzal Khan (Manchester Rusholme), have denied they are stepping aside. Smith told the Press Association he was not making way, while Khan said voters chose him 'and that is the job I am focused on doing'. However, members of Khan's local Labour party believe he was preparing to stand aside.
Jim McMahon (Oldham West) did not respond to inquiries, but is close to Angela Rayner, another potential leadership contender. Some in the Burnham camp have reservations about the seat due to a likely well-funded Reform campaign and focus on grooming gangs. Burnham's allies had previously been confident about Warrington North and St Helens South and Whiston, but MPs Charlotte Nichols and Marie Rimmer deny any arrangement.
One Burnham ally admitted: 'We thought the local election results would concentrate some people's minds, but until you've got something lined up, you haven't.' Another MP, a key supporter, said: 'They've fucked it. Everything is falling apart, they've run out of time.' A third source said any leadership race would move too fast for Burnham, with Wes Streeting expected to start an accelerated process.
Burnham is understood to have spoken with union leaders, but would need to distance himself from Ed Miliband's energy policies to win over some, according to a Labour NEC member. Another source said if Sir Keir Starmer's political authority is shot, Burnham would have a chance, as 'everyone on there is a pragmatist'. Burnham remains the preferred candidate for many soft-left MPs, but the group could split if Streeting launches a challenge.
Should Starmer run against Streeting and a left-wing candidate, he would have a major advantage due to Labour's preferential voting system. MPs say they are deeply concerned that Starmer could come second and still remain leader and prime minister. Many are split between backing Miliband or Rayner, or keeping Starmer in place to buy Burnham more time.
