Andy Burnham’s long-standing aspiration to lead the Labour Party has been an open secret. Known as the “King of the North,” Burnham has previously contested leadership in 2010 and 2015, hinting at future ambitions by stating, “I don’t know what the future will hold.”
Speculation has been rife since last summer that the Greater Manchester Mayor is eyeing a return to Westminster. Amidst rumors that some MPs were encouraging him to challenge the Prime Minister, Burnham’s potential comeback stirred controversy and drew ire from Downing Street.
However, a significant hurdle for Burnham’s leadership bid has been his non-MP status. This obstacle led to tension last September when suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne dismissed talks of a pact to vacate his Gorton and Denton seat for Burnham. Despite Gwynne’s comfortable victory in the 2024 election, he emphasized that the path to No10 does not run through his constituency.
Recently, Gwynne’s announcement of his resignation from the Commons due to suspension over offensive messages has sparked speculation about a by-election. This move paves the way for Burnham to potentially run for MP, though relinquishing his mayoral position would pose challenges for a Westminster return.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Labour will play a crucial role in selecting a candidate for the Greater Manchester by-election. With a contingent of Starmer loyalists within the NEC, Burnham’s candidacy may face obstacles.
Political observers anticipate internal party tensions if Burnham’s candidacy is contested, especially amidst Labour’s declining popularity in national polls. Opposition parties are gearing up for the by-election, with Reform UK and the Green Party showing interest in challenging Labour’s stronghold in Gorton and Denton.
The charismatic Green Party leader Zack Polanski may also enter the electoral fray, aiming to expand Green Party representation in Parliament. As Burnham contemplates his next move, the political landscape is set for an intriguing showdown in Greater Manchester.