Labour’s Angela Rayner will caution party leaders against preventing Andy Burnham from running for MP. The former Deputy Leader is supportive of Burnham’s potential return to Parliament and will emphasize the importance of letting members decide during a speech to party supporters. Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor with aspirations for Labour leadership, faces a decision on running in an upcoming by-election triggered by Andrew Gwynne’s resignation. Gwynne, who cited medical reasons and faced controversy over past WhatsApp messages, opens the door for Burnham’s potential return to Westminster.
Despite Burnham not officially declaring candidacy, several MPs are urging Labour’s NEC, led by Keir Starmer supporters, not to block him. Calls for a democratic process in candidate selection for the Gorton and Denton by-election have been echoed by various figures, including trade union leaders and MPs. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock praised Burnham’s leadership, emphasizing the need for adherence to party rules and procedures in the selection process.
An unnamed Labour source confirmed that no candidates have yet declared, and the eventual selection will adhere to party guidelines. The situation remains fluid as Burnham contemplates his political future in the upcoming election.