Labour row erupts after Andy Burnham blocked from byelection race

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Peter Walker Senior political correspondentJanuary 25, 2026 at 02:39 PM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

The Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from seeking selection for the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. The decision, made by a vote of the NEC's "officers' group," prevents Burnham from running for the seat vacated by Andrew Gwynne. The NEC cited party rules requiring permission for sitting mayors to stand for parliament, and argued that a mayoral election would drain resources needed for upcoming local and national elections in May. While allies of Keir Starmer defended the decision as upholding party rules, others criticized it as a mistake that could cost Labour the byelection. The decision effectively halts Burnham's potential return to parliament in the short term.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Scottish Parliament 35% Welsh Senedd 35% Andrew Gwynne 40% Gorton and Denton 50% Lucy Powell ×260% Shabana Mahmood ×260% Keir Starmer ×260% Greater Manchester ×470% Labour Party ×780% National Executive Committee (NEC) ×785% Andy Burnham ×790%

Keywords

labour party 100% andy burnham 90% nec 80% byelection 80% greater manchester mayor 60% party rules 60% keir starmer 60% leadership challenge 50% internal politics 50%