Andy Burnham’s aspirations to lead the Labour Party have been well-known. Referred to as the “King of the North,” Burnham has previously participated in two leadership contests in 2010 and 2015. Towards the end of last year, he diplomatically stated uncertainty about the future.
Speculation has been rife since last summer that the Greater Manchester Mayor is eyeing a return to Westminster. Burnham hinted that some MPs were encouraging him to challenge the Prime Minister, causing a stir during Labour’s conference in Liverpool and sparking controversy in Downing Street.
Despite the buzz, Burnham’s lack of current parliamentary status has been a significant obstacle to his serious candidacy. Suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne expressed frustration last September at the persistent rumors of a potential deal for Burnham to take his Gorton and Denton seat.
Gwynne’s strong victory in the 2024 election made his constituency an enticing prospect for any aspiring Labour MP, seemingly closing the door for Burnham. However, in a surprising turn of events today, Gwynne, suspended for offensive messages, announced his resignation, setting the stage for a by-election and presenting Burnham with a crucial decision.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party will be tasked with selecting a candidate for the Greater Manchester by-election, potentially posing a challenge to Burnham’s candidacy due to the presence of Starmer loyalists within the NEC.
If Burnham navigates this hurdle, he must then face the challenge of winning the by-election amid a national decline in Labour’s popularity. Opposition parties are gearing up for a fierce battle for the seat, with Reform UK vowing to give their all to challenge Labour’s dominance in Manchester.
Meanwhile, the Green Party’s charismatic leader Zack Polanski, though not an MP, may also enter the race, signaling a potentially competitive field. Ultimately, Burnham faces a crucial decision on whether to pursue a return to Westminster, with the stakes high and the future uncertain.