Burnham Seeks Permission to Stand in Gorton and Denton By-Election: Leadership Challenge Looms

Burnham Puts Himself Forward for Parliament Amid Leadership Speculation

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has submitted his application to stand in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election, sparking a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. In a statement, Burnham emphasized his commitment to backing the Labour government, rather than undermining it, as he expressed his desire to return to Parliament.

Obstacles Ahead for Burnham's Bid

Burnham's bid to stand in the Gorton and Denton seat has been met with opposition from some Labour MPs who believe that allowing him to enter the contest could spark infighting within the party. Senior Labour figures, including London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, have expressed their support for Burnham, stating that he should be allowed to stand in the by-election. However, Burnham must first receive approval from Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) before he can enter the race.

Leadership Challenge on the Horizon

If Burnham is successful in his bid to become an MP, it could pave the way for a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham's supporters believe that he would bring a fresh perspective and a strong mandate to the Labour Party, but his detractors are concerned that a leadership challenge could destabilize the party and create divisions among its members.

The decision of whether to allow Burnham to stand in the by-election lies with the NEC, a body that includes party figures such as Starmer, Powell, and Shabana Mahmood. A negative decision would likely be met with resistance from Labour members who believe that Burnham would be a valuable asset to the party. Meanwhile, the area of Gorton and Denton has traditionally voted Labour, but the party's popularity has been declining in recent years, and the by-election could provide an opportunity for other parties, such as Reform UK and the Green Party, to make gains.

If Burnham is successful in his bid to become an MP, he would have to resign as Mayor of Greater Manchester, triggering a new election for the role. The cost of the by-election is estimated to be around £4.7m, a significant expense for the party and the taxpayer. The outcome of the by-election will be closely watched by observers, who will be eager to see whether Labour can maintain its grip on the seat or whether other parties can capitalize on the party's decline in popularity.