In a stunning turn of events, Sir Keir Starmer's allies are gearing up to thwart Andy Burnham's potential return to Westminsteras fears grow that the Greater Manchester mayor could mount a leadership challenge against the embattled prime minister, reports The Times.
The resignation of Andrew Gwynne on Thursday has paved the way for Burnham to make a dramatic return to the Commons, potentially setting the stage for a fierce battle for the leadership of the Labour Party. Gwynne, who represented Gorton & Denton in Greater Manchester, stepped down following the leak of racist and sexist WhatsApp messages last year.
However, the prime minister's allies on Labour's national executive committee (NEC) have declared their intention to block Burnham from standing in the upcoming by-election, scheduled for May states the report. This bold move has sent shockwaves through the party, as tensions between Starmer and Burnham supporters reach boiling point.
Burnham has remained coy about his potential return to parliament and his leadership ambitions, urging people not to "rush to conclusions" in the wake of Gwynne's resignation. Allies suggest that the charismatic mayor has yet to make a final decision, but MPs on the party's soft left are reportedly urging him to throw his hat into the ring.
A member of the NEC, which holds the power to approve the party's candidate, revealed that the prospect of a Manchester mayoral election was "worrying even the most anti-leadership members." Another member claimed that there is an "overwhelming anti-Burnham coalition that spans left and right on the NEC," signaling a tough battle ahead for the mayor.
Reports have emerged suggesting that No 10 is mulling over the implementation of a "loyalty pledge" for candidates, requiring them to confirm their allegiance to Starmer. This move could effectively paint Burnham as a traitor if he decides to launch a leadership bid, further complicating his potential return to Westminster.
Undeterred by the mounting opposition, Burnham's allies have been working tirelessly to clear his path back to Westminster. They have been reaching out to soft-left NEC members to gauge their support and argue that blocking his return could spark a damaging internal row within the party.
Karl Turner, the Labour MP for East Hull, has come out in support of Burnham, stating that the mayor "could convincingly win" the by-election and must not be blocked from standing. He emphasised the focus should not be on leadership contest speculation, but rather on ensuring a fair and open selection process.
The Fire Brigades Union, which holds a spot on the NEC, has also weighed in on the controversy, demanding a "full and open democratic procedure" to select a new candidate. Steve Wright, the union's general secretary, warned that the FBU "will not stand by and allow senior Labour politicians like Andy to be carved out of this process."
Despite the growing support for Burnham, some within the party have expressed concerns that any leadership tilt from the mayor could lead to a "self-inflicted psychodrama." A Scottish MP warned that the move could divert precious party resources away from critical elections in Scotland and Wales, potentially harming Labour's chances of success.
As the battle for the future of the Labour Party intensifies, all eyes are on Burnham and Starmer, as their supporters prepare for a showdown that could have far-reaching consequences for the party and the nation as a whole.
