Andy Burnham has been barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election after Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) refused to approve his candidacy.
Burnham, the directly elected mayor of Greater Manchester, needed NEC permission to run. Labour said allowing him to stand would trigger a costly mayoral election, arguing that public money and party resources were better spent addressing the cost-of-living crisis.
The decision has sparked anger within Labour, with several MPs saying local party members should have been allowed to choose Burnham, who is widely seen as a potential future leadership challenger to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
NEC sources said the vote was overwhelmingly in favour of blocking him, with Starmer among those backing the move.
Supporters of the decision said replacing Burnham as mayor would cost millions and risk party unity during a difficult electoral period.
Allies of the prime minister also warned that a divisive by-election campaign could benefit Reform UK.
However, critics described the move as heavy-handed and politically risky.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said blocking Burnham showed “weakness and cowardice” and could deepen internal divisions.
He has not yet commented publicly. He was elected mayor in 2024 for a term running until 2028.
Labour will now select another candidate for the traditionally safe seat, though party insiders fear the by-election could prove challenging amid falling national support.
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