Andy Burnham, known as the “King of the North,” has openly expressed his desire to lead the Labour Party in the future. Having participated in leadership contests in 2010 and 2015, Burnham recently stated, “I don’t know what the future will hold.”
Speculation has been rife since last summer about Burnham’s potential return to Westminster as the Greater Manchester Mayor. Reports suggested that some MPs encouraged him to challenge the Prime Minister, causing a stir during Labour’s conference in Liverpool and drawing criticism from Downing Street.
A significant obstacle to Burnham’s aspirations has been his non-MP status. Last September, Labour MP Andrew Gwynne dismissed rumors of a secret agreement for Burnham to take his Gorton and Denton seat, emphasizing that this path does not lead to 10 Downing Street.
However, Gwynne’s suspension over offensive messages in a WhatsApp group has prompted his decision to resign from the Commons, paving the way for a by-election. This development leaves Burnham with a crucial decision to make – whether to run as an MP and relinquish his mayoral role.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Labour will select a candidate for the Greater Manchester by-election. The NEC, which includes Starmer loyalists, could potentially impede Burnham’s candidacy. This scenario could trigger internal discord within the party and face challenges given Labour’s recent decline in popularity.
Opposition parties are gearing up for the by-election, with Reform UK expressing determination to challenge Labour in Gorton and Denton. The Green Party’s Zack Polanski, despite not being an MP, may also join the race, aiming to enhance the party’s representation in Parliament.
As Burnham contemplates his next move, the decision to pursue a parliamentary seat poses various hurdles and uncertainties, ultimately shaping the political landscape in Greater Manchester.