Labour Faces Internal Rebellion Over Burnham By-Election Block
The decision to prevent Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election has sparked significant internal dissent within the Labour Party. Housing Secretary Steve Reed has declared the matter "done and dusted," but this has failed to quell anger from dozens of Labour MPs.
MPs Decry 'Remote Stitch-Up' in Protest Letter
Approximately 50 Labour MPs, along with several peers, have signed a strongly-worded letter objecting to the National Executive Committee's (NEC) ruling. The correspondence, addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Labour General Secretary Hollie Ridley, argues there is "no legitimate reason" for blocking Mr Burnham's candidacy.
The letter warns that denying local members a genuine choice reinforces public perception that politics represents a "remote stitch-up" orchestrated by "a small group of people at the very top in London." It further cautions that this move risks fuelling the division and disunity that Nigel Farage's Reform UK party thrives upon.
Minister Defends Decision Amid Leadership Challenge Speculation
Speaking to broadcasters, Steve Reed acknowledged that MPs are "entitled to their view" but defended the NEC's decision as "reasonable." He emphasised that people in Manchester deserve to have their mayor complete his four-year term, during which he has been doing an "outstanding job."
When questioned about whether anxieties over a potential leadership challenge influenced the decision, Mr Reed firmly denied any connection. "No, it's got absolutely nothing to do with that at all," he told Times Radio, reiterating that the matter was settled.
Starmer's Defence and Internal Party Tensions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended the NEC's ruling, arguing that allowing Mr Burnham to contest the Westminster seat would divert crucial resources from Labour's campaigns for the local elections in May. He framed the political landscape as a battle between Labour and Reform UK rather than internal party conflicts.
However, critics within the party accuse the Prime Minister and his allies of blocking Mr Burnham's candidacy for factional reasons. Some suggest leadership anxieties are motivating the decision, particularly as both Labour's poll ratings and Sir Keir's personal approval face challenges.
By-Election Landscape Takes Shape
The political contest in Gorton and Denton is developing rapidly following Labour's internal controversy. Reform UK has named GB News presenter and former academic Matt Goodwin as their candidate, with Nigel Farage suggesting the party's chances have improved considerably since Mr Burnham was blocked.
Meanwhile, the Workers Party of Britain, led by former MP George Galloway, has announced that Manchester councillor Shahbaz Sarwar will represent them in the contest. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has launched his party's campaign with a message positioning the Greens as the only credible alternative to Reform UK in the constituency.
Labour Attacks Reform's Campaign Missteps
Labour has launched early attacks on Reform UK's campaign, accusing their chief whip Lee Anderson of appearing in the "wrong constituency" in social media posts. Labour Chairwoman Anna Turley criticised Reform activists for being photographed near a venue outside Gorton and Denton's boundaries, suggesting they "can't even find the constituency on a map."
Broader Implications for Party Unity
The internal disagreement reflects deeper tensions within Labour as the party prepares for multiple electoral challenges. At a closed-door meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Attorney General Lord Hermer sought to rally MPs, expressing confidence that Labour would "change this country for the better" as their policies take effect.
Yet some MPs remain unconvinced, with one warning that defeat in Gorton and Denton could have severe consequences for Sir Keir's leadership following May's local elections. Mr Burnham himself has expressed disappointment with the decision and concern about its potential impact on upcoming elections, while urging unity against "the divisive politics of Reform."
