Burnham barred from byelection to help Labour ‘focus’, says Scotland secretary

Keir Starmer defended the Labour Party's decision to block Andy Burnham from running in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. Starmer cited the need to focus resources on crucial local and national elections in England, Wales, and Scotland as the primary reason. He argued that a mayoral election in Greater Manchester, triggered by Burnham's potential departure, would divert resources from these key contests. The decision, made by Labour's ruling executive committee, has caused internal tensions within the party, with some members expressing disappointment. Burnham himself acknowledged his disappointment but pledged to support the eventual candidate. Starmer emphasized the importance of party unity to combat Reform UK in the upcoming elections.

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