Labour’s powerful ruling body ‘calls for pause in Burnham by-election decision over stitch-up fears’
Labour’s powerful ruling body has called for a “pause” in the decision on Andy Burnham’s future over fears of stitches, according to a letter leaked by the BBC.
Keir Starmer’s allies have already been warned not to block his bid for a return to Parliament, as a civil war erupts within the Labor Party over the mayor of Greater Manchester, which could pave the way for a potential challenge to his leadership.
Ten members of the sub-committee of the Labor Party’s governing National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet today to decide whether he will be allowed to stand as a candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election after throwing his hat in the ring on Saturday.
Interior minister Shabana Mahmood, who chairs the committee, said the decision would be a “delicate balance” for some members because allowing her to risk triggering a new mayoral election for a new mayor would come at huge financial cost to the party.
Appearing on the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg program on Sunday, Ms Mahmood was told that the BBC had seen the leak of a draft letter written by the full NEC arguing that “any attempt to exclude certain candidates would be seen as undemocratic interference”.
He also said the current timeline “should be paused to include the entire NEC committee in determining that timeline and that process.”
Ms Mahmood responded by saying the party followed “normal practice” for election decisions. He also said it was not unusual for the party to have “major electoral controversies”.
The row erupted amid a growing backlash against Mr Burnham from Labor MPs.
On Saturday night, Scottish Labor MP Joani Reid went public warning that “it’s an energy-draining distraction, so most of us would probably prefer Andy Burnham to stay out of it.”
He said being mayor was “a bigger job than being a backroom MP.” “So he’s either looking for a quieter life or he’s maneuvering. If it’s the latter, that’s the last thing we need before the May elections.”
Tom Rutland, the Labor MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, tweeted: “Those who choose to stand for election in 2024 for different positions – with significant responsibilities and mandates from their constituents – should remain in those positions.”
Senior Labor figures, including cabinet minister Ed Miliband and deputy leader Lucy Powell, said local party members should have the choice of whether to elect Mr Burnham.
A by-election in Gorton and Denton was triggered on Thursday after incumbent MP Andrew Gwynne announced he was withdrawing for health reasons.
Obtaining standing leave is not the only hurdle Mr. Burnham must overcome. Ms Mahmood confirmed that the NEC could still implement an all-female shortlist, a mechanism designed to counter the fact that most Labor MPs are men. However, he rejected suggestions for an all-BAME (Black and minority ethnic) shortlist, saying this was not allowed “by law”. The final decision on who they want as their candidate will be made by local Labor Party members.
Although Mr Gwynne won the seat with 51 per cent of the vote in 2024, Mr Burnham could still face an uphill battle given Labour’s collapse in the opinion polls and the rise of both Reform England on the right and the Green Party on the left.
If elected, Mr Burnham would be legally required to step down as mayor of Greater Manchester, triggering a new by-election.
