Andy Burnham has been blocked from standing as an MP in the Gorton and Denton by-election after Labour’s National Executive Committee voted decisively against his candidacy.
The NEC voted 8-1 to refuse the Manchester mayor permission to contest the seat, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood abstaining in her role as chair. Only Deputy Leader Lucy Powell supported Mr Burnham’s bid.
The decision was made under Labour Party rules which require directly elected mayors to seek NEC permission before standing for Parliament to avoid dual campaign costs. According to a party statement, the NEC cited risks to Labour’s control in Greater Manchester and the estimated £4.7 million cost of a subsequent mayoral by-election. The party said resources were “better spent tackling the cost of living crisis”.
Mr Burnham described himself as “disappointed” by the decision and expressed concern about “its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us”. However, he pledged his full support to Labour’s eventual candidate, stating: “To whoever is Labour’s candidate and to our members in Manchester and Tameside: you will have my full support and I will be there whenever you need me”.
The mayor had formally requested NEC permission on Saturday, offering to stand to help beat Reform UK. “We are stronger together and let’s stay that way,” he wrote on X. He announced he will “return with full focus” to his mayoral role on Monday.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voted personally against Mr Burnham’s bid, alongside union figures and other Labour representatives. Mr Burnham’s potential return to Westminster was viewed by some as a challenge to Sir Keir’s leadership.
The decision sparked criticism from the left of the party. John McDonnell warned Sir Keir: “If you think it strengthens you I tell you it will simply hasten your demise. You could have shown magnanimous leadership but instead it’s cowardice”. Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan called it a “stitch-up” that “puts control before country”, while Nadia Whittome said leadership “care more about settling personal scores than winning elections”.
Mr Burnham also criticised the handling of the decision, posting on X: “The fact that the media was informed of the NEC decision before I was tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days”. He added: “You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not”.
Allies of Sir Keir defended the decision, claiming Mr Burnham does “a very good job” as mayor and arguing the move avoided unnecessary financial burdens. Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas accepted the decision after NEC consideration, while MPs including Oliver Ryan opposed Mr Burnham’s bid due to the £4.7 million public spending required for a mayoral by-election.
The by-election follows the resignation of suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne. Applications to stand as Labour candidate close at midnight, with potential nominees including Manchester council leader Bev Craig and executive member Julie Reid.
