Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been prevented from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election after the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) voted 8-1 against allowing him to step down as mayor. This decision effectively ends Burnham’s attempt to return to Westminster, where he was seen as a potential leadership challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The opportunity for Burnham arose after Labour MP Andrew Gwynne announced his resignation, creating a vacancy in the Gorton and Denton seat. Burnham quickly declared his intention to stand for the seat, publishing a letter to confirm his plans on Saturday afternoon.
Following the NEC’s decision, the Labour Party released a statement commending Burnham’s performance as Mayor of Greater Manchester. The party emphasized that it is in their best interests to avoid an unnecessary mayoral election, citing concerns over the significant costs and resources such an election would require—funds that could be better directed toward addressing the cost of living crisis.
Mr Burnham expressed his disappointment at the NEC’s decision and voiced concerns about its potential impact on the important elections ahead. Nonetheless, he pledged his full support to whoever becomes Labour’s candidate for Gorton and Denton, as well as to party members in Manchester and Tameside, assuring them that he will be available whenever needed.
