Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended Labour's decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection, a move that has sparked significant internal party backlash. Speaking on Monday, Starmer argued that allowing Burnham to run would divert resources from key elections later this year.
The decision, made by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) with eight votes in favour including Starmer's, prevents Burnham from resigning as mayor to contest the seat vacated by Andrew Gwynne. Starmer stated that holding an unnecessary mayoral byelection would strain party finances and personnel, which should instead focus on local elections in England, the Welsh Senedd, and the Scottish Parliament in May.
Unison head Andrea Egan expressed members' disappointment and anger, while a union source described the move as "blatant gerrymandering." Several unions are reportedly discussing joint action to reverse the decision. Burnham, who learned of the block via media reports, called it revealing of how the Labour Party is currently run.
Despite the controversy, Starmer urged unity against Reform UK, stating, "Yes, there is a fight, but that fight is with Reform." Senior Labour figures including Ed Miliband, Sadiq Khan, and Lucy Powell had previously called for Burnham to be allowed to stand. The byelection is scheduled for 26 February.
