Labour rebels have accused Sir Keir Starmer and his allies of a “stitch-up” after Andy Burnham was blocked from running as an MP in the upcoming Gorton and Denoton by-election.
A letter circulated among backbenchers called for the National Executive Committee to “reevaluate” their decision, and said that losing the seat in a contest with Reform UK would be “unimaginable”.
The (NEC), which is chaired by home secretary Shabana Mahmood and also includes Sir Keir among its members, rebuffed Mr Burnham’s application to become Labour’s candidate, with the vote being 8-1 against the mayor of Greater Manchester.
In a series of social media posts on Sunday afternoon, Mr Burnham said: “I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us.”
He also voiced criticism about “the way the Labour Party is being run these days” and hit back at those expressing support for the decision.
The decision has provoked backlash from MPs supportive of Mr Burnham, who warned “deep-seated factionalism” was going to “destroy the Labour Party”, while some sections of the party claimed the move was a “stitch-up”.
Meanwhile, allies of Sir Keir were worried that allowing Mr Burnham a path back to Westminster might pose a threat to his leadership.
Read MoreStarmer faces backlash as Labour blocks Burnham by-election bid
Labour at war after Starmer blocks Andy Burnham’s Commons comeback bid
Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
Andy Burnham blocked: Keir Starmer is ruthless but right
Key Points
- Burnham hits back at those backing blocking of his path back to Westminster
- Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
- Burnham hits out at how Labour Party is being run
- UK's unions divided over Burnham decision
- Burnham cites stopping 'divisive politics of Reform' as reason behind MP bid
Allowing Burnham to stand would not be 'risk-free', Cabinet minister says
07:59 , Millie CookeAllowing Andy Burnham to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election would not have been a "risk-free choice", a Cabinet minister has argued.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander told Times Radio that if the NEC had allowed Mr Burnham to stand, there would have been “the equivalent of 20 by-elections diverting time, energy and money to a Manchester mayoral contest” which Labour might lose.
He said: “We would certainly have fought that contest hard, but there would have been some degree of risk – Reform are outspending us about 10-to-one at the moment and in the biggest and most unnecessary electoral contest in England, you can never take anything for granted.
“That doesn’t strike me as a risk-free choice.”
Decision was about 'focus than factionalism', cabinet minister says
07:45 , Holly EvansThe decision to block Andy Burnham from seeking a return to Westminster was more about “focus than factionalism”, with Labour seeking to avoid the distraction of a mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester, a Cabinet minister said.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander acknowledged Sir Keir Starmer’s role in the decision to block his potential leadership rival, telling Times Radio: “This was a decision, of course, that the Prime Minister was involved in, but was actually a decision taken by a subcommittee of Labour’s national executive committee (NEC).”
He said: “The judgment was more about focus than factionalism.”
Mr Alexander continued: “Whatever choice the national executive committee made yesterday, it was likely that there would be criticism and there would be commentary in the papers today. There were, if you like, ditches on both sides of the road.”
If the NEC had allowed Mr Burnham to stand, there would have been “the equivalent of 20 by-elections diverting time, energy and money to a Manchester mayoral contest” which Labour might lose.
“We would certainly have fought that contest hard, but there would have been some degree of risk – Reform are outspending us about 10-to-one at the moment and in the biggest and most unnecessary electoral contest in England, you can never take anything for granted.
“That doesn’t strike me as a risk-free choice.”
Furious Labour MPs call Burnham blocking a 'stitch-up'
07:33 , Holly EvansLabour MPs are said to be in open revolt against Sir Keir Starmer and his allies after what they believe to be a “stitch-up” in blocking Andy Burnham from returning to Westminster.
Backbenchers are said to have described the move as “completely outrageous” and “incredibly disappointing”, with The Telegraph reporting that Angela Rayner is among those who disagreed with the decision.
A letter is circulating among MPs that claims the decision amounted to “a remote stitch-up from a small group of people at the very top in London”.
It reportedly warns that losing the by-election would be “unimaginable... blocking [Mr Burnham] from even making his case to local members risks sending a message that the party does not respect devolution”.
They are calling on the National Executive Committee to re-evaulate their decision, with one Starmer ally stating: “No. It’s done.”
'I'm not sure losing a by-election does us any good', Burnham says
07:26 , Holly EvansAndy Burnham has given a blunt response to Sir Keir Starmer’s biographer, who wrote on social media that the notion of him returning to Westminster would add to recent “psychodrama” and would not be in Labour’s best interests.
Tom Baldwin wrote: “Ive always liked @AndyBurnhamGM but the prospect of him returning to Westminster has already added to inward-looking psychodrama that does no one any good. And an unnecessary by-election for Mayor of Manchester might well have resulted in long term damage to his reputation too.”
In response, the Greater Manchester mayor said: “I’m not sure losing a by-election does us any good either, Tom.”
I’ve always liked @AndyBurnhamGM but the prospect of him returning to Westminster has already added to inward-looking psychodrama that does no one any good. And an unnecessary by-election for Mayor of Manchester might well have resulted in long term damage to his reputation too.
— Tom Baldwin (@TomBaldwin66) January 25, 2026
Why Starmer wants to make Brexit the key issue at the next election
07:00 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer is planning to make Brexit the key dividing line at the next general election as the government attempts to claw back voters lost to Reform UK, The Independent understands.
After the prime minister vowed to “reset” relations and bring the UK into closer alignment with the EU, following years of strained relations under the Tories, Labour believes it is the only political party with a position on Brexit that reflects the views of the general public.
Ten years on from the referendum, polling generally shows that a majority of voters think that Brexit is not currently working and want closer ties with the bloc. However, a majority seem to think that rejoining should not be a priority for the government.
Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Inside Starmer’s plan to fight next general election on Brexit divide
Burnham 'concerned' about impact decision to bar him will have on Labour Party
06:00 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has said he is “concerned” about the impact of the Labour Party’s decision to bar him from the Gorton and Denton by-election.
In a statement on social media hours after the move, Mr Burnham said: “I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us.”
Editorial: Starmer must deliver on Labour’s manifesto pledges to stop party being ripped apart by decision on Burnham
05:00 , Tara CobhamThe decision to bar the mayor of Greater Manchester and former MP Andy Burnham from standing for the now vacant parliamentary seat of Gorton and Denton raises a host of questions, both about Sir Keir Starmer himself, as party leader and prime minister, and about the governance of the Labour Party.
In his 18 months as prime minister, Sir Keir has often appeared a weak and indecisive leader, with policy U-turns and prevarications under pressure more in evidence than any determined pursuit of the objectives set out in the manifesto on which he led Labour to its landslide election victory.
There is, however, another side to that picture. Where party and government discipline is concerned, and – it might be added – his own survival as leader, he has shown a determination little short of ruthlessness. This was fully on display in the way he ejected Jeremy Corbyn from the party and his attempt to do the same to Diane Abbott. He was both unhesitant and unrepentant in removing the whip from MPs who rebelled against proposed government welfare reforms (only to yield on the policy issues later), and he demonstrated a similar resolution in effectively sacking both his deputy, Angela Rayner, and his hand-picked ambassador in Washington, Peter Mandelson, when their missteps threatened to harm his own position.
Read more here:
Starmer must focus on Labour’s message to stop his party being ripped apart
Labour MP warns of 'a lot of bloodletting' after Burnham blocked
04:00 , Tara CobhamA Labour MP has warned that “there'll be a lot of bloodletting” following the move to block Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton.
Karl Denton issued the warning to Metro, while he also told LBC that the NEC’s decision was a “mistake”.
Watch: NEC called for pause in Burnham by-election decision over stitch-up fears
03:00 , Tara CobhamExplained: Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
02:00 , Tara Cobham Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
Starmer 'personally led calls' to block Burnham's path back to Westminster
01:00 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer personally led the calls to block Andy Burnham’s path back to Westminster, according to reports.
A source within the NEC told the Daily Express: “Keir was there and led from the front. He took up the mantel and even the most sceptical about Keir were very impressed.
“The Prime Minister argued that we couldn't risk a by-election in Greater Manchester [for mayor], and that the psychodrama from the last 48 hours had not been helpful.”
Watch: Diane Abbott says Burnham decision makes Starmer look ‘weak’
00:00 , Tara CobhamProfile: ‘King of the North’ Andy Burnham whose bid to return to Westminster sparked Labour civil war
Sunday 25 January 2026 23:00 , Tara CobhamIt would not be the first time that the mayor of a big city went on to become head of their country’s government, though it’s unusual. Three US presidents have done so (Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge), and in Europe there are the highly notable examples of Chancellor Willy Brandt (graduating from West Berlin), and Jacques Chirac (Paris). Here, of course, we saw Boris Johnson perfecting his populist skills in London before, in due course, graduating to the premiership. The question for 2026 is whether Andy Burnham can make a similar journey from his mayoral HQ at the Tootal Building in Manchester to 10 Downing Street. The upcoming by-election in the usually safe Labour seat of Gorton, well inside Burnham’s northern fiefdom, opens up at least the possibility that Burnham might repeat Johnson’s feat.
Burnham, a minister in the Blair and Brown governments who has been reborn as the mayor of Greater Manchester, has already been almost prime minister, you know. He may presently be the “King of the North”, enjoying marginally better ratings that the party nationally, but he could now be trying, for the third time, for an even more exalted position – leader of the Labour Party, and with it, the premiership. It was a laughable proposition for almost the whole of Sir Keir Starmer’s period of previously unassailable dominance, but suddenly, before last autumn’s party conference, in a panicky mood, the Labour Party seemed to have caught what might be termed “the Tory disease” – the delusion that a change of leader can solve all its problems, coupled with an addiction to plotting. Burnham, away from Westminster for most of the past decade, seemed to be the nearest thing they have to a fresh start.
Sean O’Grady writes:
Andy Burnham: The ‘King of the North’ whose Westminster bid sparked Labour civil war
Labour source says Burnham’s claim media was told of NEC decision before him is ‘categorically untrue’
Sunday 25 January 2026 22:11 , Tara CobhamA Labour source has said Andy Burnham’s claim that the media was told of the NEC’s decision before him is “categorically untrue”.
The Manchester mayor posted on X earlier: “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. You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not.”
But a Labour source told Sky News this was “categorically untrue”.
Beth Rigby posted on X: “Am told the party attempted to contact Andy shortly after the meeting had concluded over the phone and then contacted him via email. Am told the party categorically did not brief the media until Andy and the full NEC had been informed of the decision.”
On this a Labour source tells me: “This is categorically untrue." Am told the party attempted to contact Andy shortly after the meeting had concluded over the phone and then contacted him via email. Am told the party categorically did not brief the media until Andy & the full NEC… https://t.co/OIQezc3ycU
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) January 25, 2026
Burnham hits back at those backing blocking of his path back to Westminster
Sunday 25 January 2026 21:58 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has hit back at those backing the blocking of his path back to Westminster.
Journalist Tom Baldwin, a former Labour adviser, posted on X on Sunday evening: “I’ve always liked @AndyBurnhamGM but the prospect of him returning to Westminster has already added to inward-looking psychodrama that does no one any good. And an unnecessary by-election for Mayor of Manchester might well have resulted in long term damage to his reputation too.”
The Manchester mayor replied in the comments: “I’m not sure losing a by-election does us any good either, Tom.”
I’m not sure losing a by-election does us any good either, Tom.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
UK's unions divided over Burnham decision
Sunday 25 January 2026 21:13 , Tara CobhamAndrea Egan, the newly-elected general secretary of Britain’s largest trade union Unison, said: “I know many, many trade unionists will be so disappointed and angry at local members not being given a say over who their candidate should be.
“This isn’t the way any democratic organisation should be run. Now’s the time to unite our movement, not divide it.”
The TSSA union accused the NEC of blocking Mr Burnham for “factional reasons”, adding: “Labour has lost its way and must change its path to survive.”
But Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said her union accepted the decision and the conclusion that Mr Burnham’s candidacy would mean “major disruption”.
Some Labour MPs come out in favour of NEC's decision
Sunday 25 January 2026 20:49 , Tara CobhamSome Labour MPs have come out in favour of the NEC’s decision, urging the party to avoid infighting and move on to winning the by-election.
Phil Brickell, who represents the Greater Manchester constituency of Bolton West, said speculation about Andy Burnham’s candidacy in recent days had “seen the Labour Party quickly turn inward… undermining the PM’s efforts at home and abroad”.
Rugby MP John Slinger said the “quick and clear decision” meant the party could “move on from the damaging, introspection and psychodrama of the last week” and “pull together” behind the eventual candidate.
Comment: Andy Burnham blocked: Keir Starmer is ruthless but right
Sunday 25 January 2026 20:20 , Tara CobhamKeir Starmer faced a simple choice: either suffer the temporary embarrassment of blocking a rival, or paralyse the government by allowing Andy Burnham to be the focus of persistent leadership speculation.
The prime minister chose the first option, because that is in the best interests of the country, the Labour Party – and himself. Politicians can be ruthless, hypocritical and self-interested, but sometimes they can also be right.
It doesn’t look brave or democratic or comradely to refuse Burnham permission to be the Labour candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, but there was never any question of letting him stand.
John Rentoul writes:
Andy Burnham blocked: Keir Starmer is ruthless but right
Watch: Mahmood says 'voters won't forgive Labour psychodrama over Burnham'
Sunday 25 January 2026 20:00 , Tara CobhamBackbenchers call on NEC to reconsider Burnham decision
Sunday 25 January 2026 19:40 , Tara CobhamSeveral backbenchers have called on the NEC to reconsider its decision, including Socialist Campaign Group secretary Richard Burgon and former cabinet minister Louise Haigh.
Ms Haigh said the decision was “incredibly disappointing” and called for the NEC to “change course and make the right decision”.
She said: “Otherwise I think we’ll all come to regret this.”
Labour group Mainstream calls on party to reverse Burnham decision
Sunday 25 January 2026 19:20 , Tara CobhamLabour group Mainstream has called on the party to reverse the decision to block Andy Burnham’s bid for MP selection “if it is serious about putting country before party”.
Mainstream's Interim Council said on Sunday: “Labour must reverse this decision if it is serious about putting country before party.
“We urge the Party to reconsider in the interests of taking on Reform and building the strongest possible team in Westminster.”
'Very clear majority' against allowing Burnham's bid, NEC sources say
Sunday 25 January 2026 19:06 , Tara CobhamSources in Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) said there had been a “very clear majority” against allowing Adny Burnham to apply for selection in the Gorton and Denton seat.
The decision was made by a 10-strong sub-group of the NEC, chaired by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, on Sunday morning.
Burnham hits out at how Labour Party is being run
Sunday 25 January 2026 18:55 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has hit out at how the Labour Party is currently being run.
In a third post on X this afternoon, the Greater Manchester mayor said: “PS - 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.
“You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not.”
PS - 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.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not. 🤷🏻♂️
NEC denied Burnham permission to stand to avoid 'unnecessary' mayoral by-election
Sunday 25 January 2026 18:51 , Tara CobhamThe Labour Party said the National Executive Committee (NEC) had decided to deny Andy Burnham permission to stand in order to avoid “an unnecessary election for the position of Greater Manchester mayor”.
The decision was confirmed in a statement after members of the NEC voted on Sunday morning to deny Mr Burnham permission to stand in the contest.
Watch: Diane Abbott says Burnham decision makes Starmer look ‘weak’
Sunday 25 January 2026 18:44 , Holly BancroftSenior Labour politicians leave door open for Burnham comeback even after blocking bid
Sunday 25 January 2026 18:37 , Tara CobhamDespite blocking his candidacy, senior Labour politicians left the door open for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster after his term as mayor ends in 2028.
Steve Reed, the local government secretary, told the BBC: “In due course, I look forward to seeing Andy back in parliament.”
LibDem leader Sir Ed Davey calls on government to sell war bonds
Sunday 25 January 2026 18:25 , Holly BancroftLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the government to sell war bonds to ready the country to face a "new kind of threat" from Vladimir Putin alongside a US which is "no longer a reliable ally".
Sir Ed urged a step-change in the speed of UK rearmament and said the government should ask the British public to buy war bonds to raise £20 billion for defence spending.
His party suggests the bonds should be sold for two years to help the Government achieve its goal of boosting defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030 - four years earlier than its current target.
He told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "Vladimir Putin poses a new kind of threat and that's why the Liberal Democrats have argued that we need to increase defence spending.
"Today, we've called on the Government to issue war bonds so we can increase the amount of money available to invest in defence far more quickly."
The bonds would "echo" those issued during the First and Second World Wars, the Liberal Democrats said, funding new military equipment and other "major assets".
Asked whether he thinks the country is at war, Sir Ed replied: "I think we're in almost a cold war-type scenario, aren't we? We've seen a lot of evidence of Russia using drones, using submarines, shadow fleets and so on.
"But this is a serious threat, and we need to move far faster than what the government has been doing."
Burnham cites stopping 'divisive politics of Reform' as reason behind MP bid
Sunday 25 January 2026 18:14 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has cited stopping the “divisive politics of Reform” as the reason behind his bid for MP selection.
In a post on X on Sunday afternoon, the Greater Manchester mayor said: “Tomorrow I return with full focus to my role as Mayor of GM, defending everything we have built in our city-region over many years.
“I decided to put myself forward to prevent the divisive politics of Reform from damaging that. We are stronger together and let’s stay that way.”
Tomorrow I return with full focus to my role as Mayor of GM, defending everything we have built in our city-region over many years.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
I decided to put myself forward to prevent the divisive politics of Reform from damaging that. We are stronger together and let’s stay that way. 💪🏻
Watch: Kemi Badenoch says she joined the Tories for the 'partying'
Sunday 25 January 2026 18:02 , Holly Bancroft'Disappointed' Burnham breaks silence over blocking of by-election bid
Sunday 25 January 2026 17:53 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has said he is “disappointed” that he has been barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election but would give his “full support” to Labour’s candidate.
“I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us,” the Greater Manchester mayor said in a post on social media site X on Sunday afternoon.
“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.”
I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
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.
1/2
Labour MP cites Andy Burnham's winning power after NEC block him
Sunday 25 January 2026 17:47 , Holly BancroftKarl Turner, Labour MP for East Hull, who supported Andy Burnham in his bid to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election, has said the decision to block him was “disappointing” given his electoral success.
Writing on X, Mr Turner said: “Andy Burnham won every single box as the candidate for GM mayoralty. Not wards. Every single box. Clearly he would have had a challenge given the polling for Labour at the moment but when you consider [his] popularity he polls more popular than any individual across the board.
“It is disappointing that the ruling body has decided to interpret the rules to effectively block AB going forward for further consideration. It is a decision though that we must live with. We must try to find a way to unite the party”.
‘We want a real political fight over this’: Why Starmer wants to make Brexit the key issue at the next election
Sunday 25 January 2026 17:32 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer is planning to make Brexit the key dividing line at the next general election as the government attempts to claw back voters lost to Reform UK, writes political correspondent Millie Cooke.
After the prime minister vowed to “reset” relations and bring the UK into closer alignment with the EU, following years of strained relations under the Tories, Labour believes it is the only political party with a position on Brexit that reflects the views of the general public.
Ten years on from the referendum, polling generally shows that a majority of voters think that Brexit is not currently working and want closer ties with the bloc. However, a majority seem to think that rejoining should not be a priority for the government.
After tacking to the right on migration, with a clampdown on illegal Channel crossings and ministers ramping up their rhetoric on the issue, it is on EU relations that the government believes it can strike a clear dividing line with opposition parties.
Government sources told The Independent that party attack units plan to paint Nigel Farage as an “ideological zealot” who is putting his anti-EU beliefs ahead of striking trade agreements which would benefit the UK economy.
Read more about his plans here:
Inside Starmer’s plan to fight next general election on Brexit divide
Explainer: Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
Sunday 25 January 2026 17:06 , Holly BancroftAndy Burnham has been blocked from standing as an MP in the Gorton and Denton by-election due to concerns about the cost of fighting a mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester, writes Bryony Gooch.
Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) made the decision on Sunday morning via a 10-strong sub-group, chaired by home secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Several senior figures had initially called for local members to have the final say on whether the Greater Manchester mayor should stand. Deputy leader Lucy Powell, an NEC member, and cabinet minister Ed Miliband both told a conference in London on Saturday that the decision should be left to members.
Mr Burnham has long been seen as a potential rival to Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, with rumours floating last year that he would return to Westminster and pose a challenge against the prime minister.
Sources in the NEC said there had been a “very clear majority” against allowing Mr Burnham to apply for selection in the seat, with the party insisting he was “doing a great job as mayor of Greater Manchester”.
Read more here:
Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
Tony Blair's former political secretary accuses Starmer of 'selfish error'
Sunday 25 January 2026 16:42 , Holly BancroftTony Blair’s former political secretary has said that Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to block Andy Burnham from running to be an MP in Gorton and Denton was “a selfish error”, writes Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.
John McTernan told The Independent: "At a time when Labour are historically unpopular, it is a selfish error to block the most popular Labour politician in the country from standing.
“It leaves this by-election as a showcase for insurgent parties of the left and right.
"Although the previous MP won the seat with 51 per cent of the vote in 2024, it could still be a tough fight for Labour. The party has plummeted in the opinion polls since and faces the rise of both Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left.”
Analysis: Keir Starmer is ruthless but right
Sunday 25 January 2026 16:20 , Holly BancroftKeir Starmer faced a simple choice: either suffer the temporary embarrassment of blocking a rival, or paralyse the government by allowing Andy Burnham to be the focus of persistent leadership speculation, writes Chief Political Commentator John Rentoul.
The prime minister chose the first option, because that is in the best interests of the country, the Labour Party – and himself. Politicians can be ruthless, hypocritical and self-interested, but sometimes they can also be right.
It doesn’t look brave or democratic or comradely to refuse Burnham permission to be the Labour candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, but there was never any question of letting him stand.
The party leader has a majority on Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), and the rules say that Labour mayors cannot be parliamentary candidates without permission from the NEC. The party leader does not want a dangerous rival in the House of Commons, and so Burnham will stay in Manchester. That is the reality of power.
Read more of The Independent’s analysis here:
Andy Burnham blocked: Keir Starmer is ruthless but right
Trade union Usdaw say they accept decision of NEC to block Burnham
Sunday 25 January 2026 16:01 , Holly BancroftLabour-affiliated trade union Usdaw has said it accepts the decision of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) to block Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said: "We acknowledge that Labour's NEC sub-committee gave full consideration to Andy Burnham's application and looking closely at the wider ramifications.
"We accept their decision and conclusion about the major disruption that would be caused by Andy Burnham abandoning his current role. He is a fantastic mayor, who won a majority in every ward across Greater Manchester, and I know he will continue to deliver for those voters.
"We call on the party to unite and focus on delivering the change that was promised and the country voted for."
'Voters don't like elections that come mid-term', Steve Reeds says as he defends NEC decision to block Burnham
Sunday 25 January 2026 15:40 , Holly BancroftVoters elected Andy Burnham to serve a four-year term and "don't like" mid-term elections, Steve Reed said as he defended the decision to block the mayor's candidacy in Gorton and Denton.
Mr Reed , who is local government secretary, told the BBC: "Voters don't like elections that come mid-term. People voted in Greater Manchester overwhelmingly for Andy Burnham to be their mayor two years ago, for a four-year term."
He added: "In a democracy, politicians are elected to serve a term. The mayor of Greater Manchester was elected for a four-year term. He's halfway through that term now.
"So we're not going to go back and ask the people of Greater Manchester, over two million of them who are entitled to vote, to elect somebody else to complete the next two (years), because we can select a different candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, and we will make the case for the Labour government."
Minister Steve Reed says Andy Burnham 'has two more years of his term to run'
Sunday 25 January 2026 15:25 , Holly BancroftLocal government secretary Steve Reed said he looked forward to seeing Andy Burnham back in Parliament "in due course".
He told the BBC: "He's got two more years of his term to run.
"In due course, I look forward to seeing Andy back in Parliament. Right now, we don't want to trigger an avoidable by-election in Greater Manchester."
He added: "I know that's disappointing for Andy but it's good news for the people of Greater Manchester because he's been doing such a good job as the mayor."
Labour MPs split on Andy Burnham decision
Sunday 25 January 2026 15:16 , Holly BancroftSome Labour MPs welcomed the NEC’s quick decision, with Buckhingham MP Callum Anderson saying: “Our party and country are always best when we look forward, not back”.
Labour MP for Exeter Steve Race said: “Glad that this has been a quick decision and we can put the psychodrama to bed”.
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said that he supported the NEC blocking Andy Burnham because he didn’t “see the necessity of the public spending £4.7m on a mayoral by-election for AB to be a candidate”.
However Brian Leishman, a Scottish Labour MP, said the party “have decided that they are willing to lose the Gorton and Denton by-election because of their own weakness and insecurity”. He called the decision to block Mr Burnham “disgraceful”.
Labour MP for Middlesbrough Andy McDonald said it was “completely outrageous”, adding: “I’m afraid the NEC and the control freaks have made a catastrophic mistake and they have massively miscalculated the damage this will cause”.
Karl Turner, MP for East Hull, said that “it seems that we’ve decided to bench our political equivalent of Messi”.
