The Labour Party is in turmoil after Keir Starmer and his allies blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, sparking accusations of factionalism and a potential civil war. The party's National Executive Committee (NEC) voted overwhelmingly against Burnham's request, with only deputy leader Lucy Powell supporting him.
The decision has provoked widespread anger among Labour MPs and union backers. Andrea Egan, head of the Unison union, said members would be 'disappointed and angry', while a union source described the move as 'blatant gerrymandering'. Several unions are reportedly discussing joint action to overturn the decision.
Burnham expressed disappointment, criticising 'the way the Labour party is being run' under Starmer. Labour figures in the North West fear the decision could allow Reform UK to win the seat. Starmer's allies hope keeping Burnham away from Westminster will shore up the prime minister's position ahead of May elections, but acknowledge it deepens internal rifts.
The NEC argued that allowing Burnham to stand would require a costly and destabilising mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester. However, senior figures including Ed Miliband, Sadiq Khan, and Angela Rayner had called for Burnham to be allowed to stand, with Rayner stating there should be 'no stitch-ups'.
