Andy Burnham latest: Starmer allies block Manchester mayor’s Westminster comeback bid
Andy Burnham ‘disappointed’ after bid to return as Labour MP blocked
- Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's bid to become the party's candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
- The NEC, which includes Sir Keir Starmer and is chaired by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, voted 8-1 against Mr Burnham's application.
- Mr Burnham expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating concerns about its potential impact on future elections.
- The move has drawn criticism from supportive Labour MPs, who warned of "deep-seated factionalism" and labelled the decision a "stitch-up."
- Allies of Sir Keir Starmer were reportedly concerned that Mr Burnham's return to Westminster could pose a threat to his leadership.