In a significant political move, Andy Burnham has officially announced his candidacy for the Labour party in the Gorton and Denton byelection, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic shift within the party as he aims to take over from Keir Starmer. Burnham, currently serving as the mayor of Greater Manchester, revealed that he submitted his application to be a parliamentary candidate before the crucial deadline of 5 PM on Saturday.
However, this announcement does not guarantee his candidacy just yet. Burnham’s application still requires approval from Labour’s national executive committee (NEC), which many believe may resist his return to parliament due to its composition, heavily influenced by allies of Starmer.
The need for a byelection arose following the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, a former minister who stepped down due to health concerns. Gwynne was officially appointed as the crown steward and bailiff of the Manor of Northstead on Friday, a role that allows him to relinquish his seat in the House of Commons.
Rumors surrounding Burnham, who is 56 years old, stepping in to fill Gwynne's position have circulated for some time. He is widely regarded as a leading contender should there be a leadership change within the party following Starmer’s tenure. The speculation intensified during last year’s party conference in Liverpool when Burnham mentioned to the Telegraph that several Labour MPs had reached out to him over the summer, expressing their worries about Starmer’s dwindling popularity and urging him to consider running.
At a recent event organized by the Fabian Society, high-profile Labour figures such as London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Deputy Leader Lucy Powell voiced their support for Burnham’s candidacy. Khan passionately stated, "I firmly believe that a successful team must consist of the best talents, and if Andy wishes to return to parliament, I am more than willing to help him campaign ahead of the byelection."
Powell, who represents the Manchester Central constituency, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the decision regarding Burnham’s candidacy should primarily lie with him and the local party members. She described Burnham as an "incredibly popular" figure who has positively impacted Manchester. Powell highlighted the stakes involved, cautioning that if the NEC were to block Burnham’s candidacy, the byelection could easily slip into the hands of opponents such as Reform UK or the Green Party, especially if an unsuitable candidate were chosen.
She concluded, "In light of this, it is imperative that we select the strongest candidate who can help Labour secure victory in what is expected to be a challenging byelection. I want to ensure that the most capable candidates emerge to support our efforts to win."
This unfolding situation not only raises questions about Burnham’s political future but also about the broader dynamics within the Labour party as they navigate the challenges ahead. What are your thoughts on Burnham's potential return to parliament? Do you think the NEC should allow him to run? Let us know in the comments!
