Andy Burnham, one of the British Labour Party’s most prominent figures, has been blocked from seeking a return to parliament, a move widely viewed as an effort by allies of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to prevent a potential leadership challenge.
The decision, reported by British media, came after Burnham said he wanted to stand as Labour’s candidate in a parliamentary by-election following the resignation of a lawmaker last week.
Burnham, currently the elected mayor of Greater Manchester, required approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee to pursue the candidacy.
Local outlets including the BBC and The Guardian reported that the NEC refused Burnham permission to stand, with Labour declining to immediately confirm the decision.
According to BBC reporting, the vote was 8-1 in favor of blocking his candidacy, with the prime minister among those who supported the move.
Labour sources cited concerns about the cost of triggering a mayoral election in Greater Manchester and the risk of a divisive campaign.
Supporters of the decision argued that allowing a mayor to contest a parliamentary by-election would have significant organisational and financial implications for the party.
A senior Labour source supportive of Burnham warned, “They’re gambling the PM’s whole premiership on winning a very hard by-election without their best candidate. It is madness.”
Blocking Burnham removes a possible route for him to formally challenge Starmer, as only sitting members of parliament can initiate a leadership contest.
The move comes amid falling public support for Labour since its landslide election victory in July 2024, as the government faces pressure over the economy, public services, and border policy.
Bond markets reacted negatively last week to the prospect of Burnham’s return to Westminster, with some investors fearing renewed political instability and a potential shift toward looser fiscal policy.
Burnham, who unsuccessfully sought the Labour leadership in 2015 and left parliament in 2017 to become mayor, said he wanted to “support the work of the government, not undermine it.”
Despite that assurance, the decision is expected to inflame internal tensions within a party already grappling with declining poll numbers and growing unease among its MPs.