Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is awaiting a decision from the Labour Party’s ruling body regarding his candidacy for the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is scheduled to meet virtually on October 8, 2023, to deliberate on his request to contest the seat following the resignation of MP Andrew Gwynne due to health issues.
In a statement made on October 7, 2023, Burnham described the by-election as “the front line” in a battle against divisive politics. He expressed his commitment to serving the city that has significantly shaped his career, noting, “I owe it to a city which has given me so much to lead it from the front, despite the risks involved.”
Labour’s internal rules grant the NEC the authority to veto candidacies for parliamentary elections from regional mayors. This policy was enacted following the last general election to avoid costly mayoral by-elections. The NEC now faces a challenging decision that could provoke discontent among party members, regardless of the outcome regarding Burnham’s candidacy.
Concerns have been raised about the financial implications of a mayoral by-election in Manchester. Additionally, some sources suggest that supporters of party leader Sir Keir Starmer are wary of Burnham’s ambitions for leadership and the potential impact on party unity. In contrast, prominent Labour figures, including former leader Ed Miliband, have advocated for Burnham’s candidacy. At the Fabian Society’s annual conference, Miliband stated that Burnham would be “a massive asset” in Parliament and emphasized the need for Starmer to have the strongest possible team.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, who is also a member of the NEC, echoed Miliband’s sentiments, urging the committee to allow local members to determine Burnham’s candidacy while reiterating the importance of supporting Starmer’s leadership.
The Gorton and Denton by-election was prompted by Gwynne’s announcement of his departure from Parliament, where he secured the seat with 51% of the vote in the 2024 general election. However, Burnham may encounter significant challenges given the current decline in Labour’s polling and the emergence of parties like Reform UK and the Green Party.
Should Burnham succeed in the by-election, he would be obligated to resign as mayor of Greater Manchester, thereby initiating a city-wide by-election. In his letter to the NEC requesting permission to stand, Burnham expressed his readiness to dedicate himself fully to any forthcoming mayoral contest, asserting he is “confident” in Labour’s prospects for victory.
