Andy Burnham’s aspirations to lead the Labour Party have been well-known, with him previously participating in leadership contests in 2010 and 2015. In a recent statement, Burnham vaguely mentioned uncertainty about the future. Speculations have been circulating since last summer about the Greater Manchester Mayor considering a return to Westminster, with claims that some MPs encouraged him to challenge the Prime Minister. However, Burnham’s lack of parliamentary status has been a significant obstacle to his candidacy, despite rumors of a potential pact for him to take over a Labour stronghold seat.
The situation took a turn when the suspended MP Andrew Gwynne, who previously dismissed the idea of stepping down to facilitate Burnham’s entry into Parliament, announced his resignation due to controversial messages in a WhatsApp group. This move paves the way for a by-election in Gorton and Denton. The decision now rests with Burnham on whether to pursue a parliamentary seat, potentially relinquishing his mayoral position.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party will be responsible for selecting a candidate for the by-election, with potential obstacles posed by loyalists to party leader Keir Starmer. The prospect of Burnham running in the by-election amidst a decline in Labour’s popularity nationally could lead to internal party tensions and challenges in securing victory.
Various opposition parties, including Reform UK, are gearing up to contest the by-election vigorously, with the Green Party’s Zack Polanski also considering entering the race to increase Green representation in Parliament. As Burnham contemplates his next move, the political landscape in Greater Manchester is poised for potential shifts and challenges as the by-election approaches.