Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has urged Labour MPs to remain patient, insisting he still has options to return to parliament after several prospective seats fell through. Speaking to MPs by phone on Tuesday, Burnham sought to reassure supporters that he intends to make an imminent comeback, despite two previously 'nailed on' seats now being off the table after the MPs involved changed their minds.
Jeff Smith, the MP for Manchester Withington, denied reports he was in talks to step aside for Burnham, telling the Press Association he was not. Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme, also dismissed speculation, saying he was focused on representing his constituents. Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, did not respond to inquiries, though some in Burnham's camp have reservations about that seat due to a potential Reform UK challenge.
Burnham's allies had previously identified Warrington North and St Helens South and Whiston as possible seats, but MPs Charlotte Nichols and Marie Rimmer both denied any plans to step down. Nichols said it was 'tedious' and 'demoralising' to see reports that she might make way, adding that no conversation with Burnham had ever taken place.
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. There's been a couple of near misses but it's difficult.' Another MP, a key Burnham supporter, said bluntly: 'They've fucked it. Everything is falling apart, they've run out of time.'
Burnham remains the preferred candidate for many on Labour's soft left, including former ministers Louise Haigh and Miatta Fahnbulleh, as well as centrist Josh Simons. However, the group is likely to split if Wes Streeting launches a leadership challenge and Burnham cannot return in time. Should Sir Keir Starmer decide to run, his advantage under Labour's preferential voting system could see him retain the leadership even if he comes second in a three-way contest.
