Andy Burnham has expressed disappointment after the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) voted to bar him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. The decision, made by a 10-strong sub-group chaired by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, cited concerns over the cost of an unnecessary mayoral by-election if Burnham won and had to resign as Greater Manchester mayor.
In a statement, Burnham said he was 'disappointed' and 'concerned' about the decision's impact on upcoming elections. He vowed to support the eventual Labour candidate and return to his mayoral duties. Burnham also criticised the leak of the decision to the press before he was informed, stating it 'tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days'.
The decision has sparked anger among some Labour MPs and trade unions. Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh called it 'incredibly disappointing', while Unison general secretary Andrea Egan said many trade unionists would be 'disappointed and angry' at local members being denied a say. The TSSA union accused the NEC of blocking Burnham for 'factional reasons'.
However, some Labour MPs supported the move. Phil Brickell said speculation about Burnham's candidacy had seen the party 'turn inward', while John Slinger said the 'quick and clear decision' allowed the party to move on from 'damaging introspection'. Senior Labour figures, including Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, left the door open for Burnham to return to Parliament after his mayoral term ends in 2028.
