Senior Labour figures have intensified pressure on the party's national executive committee, urging them not to obstruct Andy Burnham's potential return to Parliament through the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
High-Profile Support for Burnham's Potential Candidacy
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, delivered the most explicit endorsement at the Fabian Society conference, stating unequivocally that Mr Burnham should be permitted to stand if he chooses to do so. "I'm a firm believer in the best team having all the talent playing for them," declared Sir Sadiq, who pledged he would actively campaign for the Greater Manchester mayor should he be selected as the candidate.
Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell echoed this sentiment during the same conference, emphasising that the decision regarding Mr Burnham's candidacy should rest with "Andy and the local members." While not explicitly stating she wanted him to stand, Ms Powell described Mr Burnham as "incredibly popular" and expressed her desire to see "the very best candidate" selected for what she warned could be "the most consequential by-election" of the current Parliament.
Political Context and Timing Pressures
Speculation about Mr Burnham's possible Westminster return has intensified since Andrew Gwynne announced his resignation as MP on health grounds last Thursday. The Greater Manchester mayor, widely believed to harbour ambitions to lead the Labour Party, faces a Saturday 5pm deadline to request permission from the party's National Executive Committee to stand in the by-election.
Reports suggest supporters of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on the NEC may attempt to block Mr Burnham's candidacy, either from concerns about destabilising the government or to avoid triggering another by-election for the Greater Manchester mayoral position.
Strategic Concerns and Electoral Realities
Ms Powell, the Manchester Central MP, expressed particular concern about the electoral challenge, warning against allowing Reform UK or the Green Party to "get a foothold into my city or into a northern city which they've not yet done before." Despite Mr Gwynne retaining the seat in 2024 with 51% of the vote, Labour's diminished polling position suggests Gorton and Denton could present a significantly tougher fight against both Reform and the Greens.
Both Sir Sadiq and Ms Powell took care to reiterate their support for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during their remarks. Ms Powell urged the party to "get behind" the Prime Minister, while Sir Sadiq highlighted Sir Keir's success in securing Labour's election victory and pointed to government achievements including enhanced rights for renters and workers and the abolition of the two-child benefit cap.
The political drama unfolds as Mr Burnham himself has yet to publicly comment on whether he intends to stand, leaving Labour members and observers awaiting his decision as the Saturday deadline approaches.
