In a move that has ignited a “civil war” within the Labour Party, the National Executive Committee (NEC) formally blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from contesting the Gorton and Denton by-election. The decision, handed down on January 25, 2026, saw a 10-strong group of party officers—including Prime Minister Keir Starmer—vote 8–1 against the Mayor’s bid to return to Westminster.
Labour Blocks Burnham: Strategy or “Factionalism”?
The vacancy in Gorton and Denton, triggered by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne due to ill health, presented Burnham with a long-rumored path back to Parliament. However, the NEC utilized a specific rule (often dubbed the “Burnham Clause”) that requires sitting mayors to seek express permission before seeking a parliamentary nomination.
The Official Justification
The leadership has framed the block as a matter of fiscal and organizational necessity:
Mayoral By-election Costs: Labour argues that replacing Burnham mid-term would trigger a mayoral by-election costing roughly £4.7 million, diverting vital funds from the party’s upcoming local and national election campaigns in May.
Electoral Risk: Starmer allies warned that a divisive mayoral race in Manchester could gift an opening to Reform UK, which is currently surging in northern polls.
“Doing a Great Job”: Keir Starmer publicly defended the move on January 26, stating that Burnham is needed in Manchester and that the party cannot afford “unnecessary” elections.
The Internal Backlash
The decision has been met with fierce condemnation from various wings of the party:
The “Northern Martyr” Narrative: Critics, including former Chancellor John McDonnell, accused the leadership of “cowardice” and “petty factionalism,” suggesting the move was designed solely to prevent a popular rival from positioning himself for a leadership challenge.
MP Revolt: Over 50 Labour MPs signed a letter of protest, arguing that blocking the party’s most popular figure sends a message of “control-freakery” to voters in the North.
Union Discontent: Leaders from Unison and the FBU have warned that “stitching up” selections undermines party democracy and risks alienating the Labour base.
“A Licence to Lie”: Burnham’s Response
While initially expressing “disappointment,” Andy Burnham escalated his rhetoric on Thursday, January 29. During a phone-in with BBC Radio Manchester, he took an angry swipe at “Westminster insiders” who he accused of briefing false information to the media to denigrate his character.
“Insiders at Westminster do not get a licence to lie… they think they can say what they like to the media to impugn the integrity of elected politicians.” — Andy Burnham
Burnham also revealed that while he had a “fair” conversation with Starmer on Monday, the Prime Minister had notably refused to speak with him before the NEC vote took place, despite Burnham’s attempts to reach out and offer assurances that he was not seeking to undermine the government.
