Last year at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Andy Burnham delivered a powerful and inspiring speech that captured the attention of the nation. He spoke passionately about his vision for a fairer and more equal society, and his commitment to serving the people of Manchester as their mayor.
However, it seems that not everyone in Westminster shares Burnham’s enthusiasm for his political career. Recent reports have surfaced claiming that allies of the prime minister have been actively briefing against him and trying to derail his plans to become an MP again.
This shocking news has caused an uproar, with Burnham responding angrily to the claims and demanding urgent talks with 10 Downing Street. He stated that these rumours have been directly impacting his bid to become the Labour Party’s candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
The decision to block Burnham’s candidacy was made by a sub-committee of the Labour Party’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC), which included Keir Starmer. According to ITV political editor Robert Peston, Burnham was “informed in no uncertain terms” that he would not be chosen if he put his name forward.
But Burnham has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that he had discussions with both No.10 and senior members of the party over the weekend and was never given a definitive answer on his candidacy. He also pointed out that the NEC is an independent body and it would be impossible for someone to guarantee a candidate’s failure.
A source close to Burnham has confirmed that he is seeking an urgent call with No.10 to address these false claims and hold them accountable for going back on their word. This kind of briefing goes against the commitment given to Burnham by the prime minister, and it is crucial that the truth is exposed.
Meanwhile, the Labour members in Gorton and Denton have taken a stand against this decision and have written to Starmer and home secretary Shabana Mahmood, who chairs the NEC. They are demanding to have a say in selecting the party’s by-election candidate and are hoping for a fair and transparent process.
In their letter, they state that they did not want any of this to happen, but now that it has, they deserve a full voice in deciding who will represent their constituency. They also stress the importance of choosing a strong and competent candidate who can fight against national populism and win against the Reform party.
This decision to block Burnham has caused more division within the Labour Party, with around 50 MPs and peers writing to Starmer and expressing their disappointment. They claim that this decision is “a gift to Nigel Farage” and will only hurt the party in the long run.
However, housing secretary Steve Reed has defended the NEC’s decision, stating that it is “done and dusted”. But with so much at stake in the upcoming by-election, it is clear that tensions within the party are high, and this decision may have far-reaching consequences.
The people of Gorton and Denton are the ones who will ultimately be affected by this decision. They have written to Starmer and Mahmood, urging them to give them a say in who their candidate will be and to choose the best person to represent their community. They believe that this is not just about one person’s political aspirations, but about the future of their constituency and the fight against national populism.
Burnham himself has also admitted that the decision to block him as a candidate will make the by-election a lot more challenging for Labour. He acknowledged that this seat is a must-win for the party and urged them to put their best foot forward.
The events of the past few days have highlighted the deepening divide within the Labour Party. There is a growing concern that the party is losing its sense of unity and focus, and this could have a devastating impact on future elections.
But amidst all the chaos and division, Burnham remains steadfast in his commitment to serve the people of Manchester. He has shown grace under pressure and has refused to be drawn into the political drama surrounding him. Instead, he continues to focus on the needs of his city and its people.
The people of Manchester have put their trust in Burnham, and it is clear that he has not let them down. He has been a beacon of hope and a strong voice for the people, fighting for their rights and advocating for positive change. It is no wonder that he has gained a loyal and dedicated following, and his supporters believe that he would make an exceptional MP.
