Burnham will try again for Westminster return but declines offer of seat in 2027

The Guardian - World NewsEN 5 min read 100% complete by Pippa Crerar, Jessica Elgot and Peter WalkerJanuary 26, 2026 at 09:25 PM

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Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, still hopes to return to Westminster, but only if he's assured Keir Starmer won't block him again. Starmer reportedly prevented Burnham from running in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection, causing internal party backlash. Starmer offered support for Burnham to run for a seat in the North West in 2027, with a promise to line up a strong mayoral replacement, but Burnham rejected the offer. Allies say Burnham is disappointed and needs assurance before attempting another run. Some Labour MPs are circulating a letter expressing concern that blocking Burnham benefits Nigel Farage and that losing the byelection would be disastrous.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Justin Madders 30% Sarah Owen 30% Nigel Farage 40% Louise Haigh ×240% Denton ×250% Greater Manchester 50% Gorton ×250% Westminster 60% Labour Party ×670% Keir Starmer ×480% Andy Burnham ×890%

Keywords

andy burnham 100% keir starmer 90% westminster return 80% labour party 70% greater manchester mayor 60% gorton and denton byelection 60% soft left 50% political conflict 50% electoral disaster 40%

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andy burnham keir starmer westminster return labour party greater manchester mayor gorton and denton byelection soft left political conflict electoral disaster

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