Andy Burnham breaks silence after Starmer brutally blocks MP return | Politics | News
Andy Burnham publishes his first comments (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham has finally broken his silence just hours after he brutally blocked Keir Starmer from becoming an MP in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. Mr Burnham’s comments came five hours after news broke that Labour’s ruling executive committee had voted 8-1 against allowing him to apply to become the party’s candidate.
Turning to X, Mr Burnham said: “I am disappointed with today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important election ahead. Whoever Labor’s candidate is, to our members in Manchester and Tameside: You will have my full support and I will be there whenever you need me. I will return tomorrow, fully focused on my role as Mayor.” [Greater Manchester]”We defend everything we have built over many years in our city and region.”
Read more: ‘Disgusting’ Labor civil war erupts as MPs publicly criticize ‘weak’ Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer feared leadership coup by Mr Burnham (Image: Getty)
“I decided to put myself forward to prevent the divisive policies of Reformation from damaging that. We are stronger together, and let’s stay that way.”
The news from Labour’s NEC came after an emergency meeting lasting less than 45 minutes, which Sir Keir Starmer personally spearheaded to block Mr Burnham’s return to Westminster.
At the meeting, which lasted less than an hour, a panel of Keir Starmer loyalists voted in favor of blocking Mr Burnham from applying for the Labor Party nomination.
The small clique insists this rejection stems from fears about the cost of having to hold a by-election for Mayor of Manchester Metro if Mr Burnham is allowed to stand for parliament; A by-election in the UK could win Reform.
An NEC source told the Express that Keir Starmer had personally led the charge to destroy Mr Burnham’s MP ambitions, being the first to speak and voting against his chief rival returning to Westminster.
Labor Grandmother John McDonnell is among those voicing their anger at Sir Keir this evening (Image: Getty)
The source said: “Keir was there and leading from the front. He took over the mantelpiece and even the most skeptical of Keir were impressed.”
“We can’t risk by-elections in Manchester, PM argues [for mayor]And the psychodrama of the last 48 hours hasn’t helped.”
Although Sir Keir reiterated that Mr Burnham was “a great mayor who has done a fantastic job”, he only referred to him by name for the rest of his remarks.
The news sparked immediate outrage among Labor MPs who went public with their attacks on Sir Keir and the clique that runs the party.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: “Message to Keir: Do not underestimate the depth of anger people will feel about this disgusting decision.
“If you think this makes you stronger, I tell you it will only hasten your death. You could have shown generous leadership, but instead it is cowardice.”
Middlesborough MP Andy McDonald said: “This is absolutely outrageous. Members must decide who stands in this election.”
“I fear the NEC and the control freaks have made a disastrous mistake and have grossly miscalculated the damage this will cause.”
Left winger Richard Burgon added: “Keir Starmer and his clique have shown they are prepared to lose Gorton and Denton to Reformation just to protect narrow factional interests.
“This is poor leadership and will only deepen the party’s crisis.”
