Andy Burnham plots return to Westminster 'within weeks', allies say
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham plans to return to Westminster within weeks by having Labour MPs step aside to trigger by-elections for him. He has identified specific seats where MPs would make way after Labour's national executive committee blocked him from contesting the Gorton and Denton seats. Burnham's team has lined up an "impressive" candidate to replace him as mayor and he intends to use a by-election to set out a "radical rewiring" of the state, including electoral reform and a 10-year growth plan. A swift Westminster comeback would force a leadership contest and could push Labour to adopt major policy and governance changes.
EXCL: Andy Burnham has credible plan to return to Westminster “within weeks” with mayor expected to use byelection fight to set out new agenda for govt, allies say. Burnham, blocked by NEC from running in Gorton & Denton, has identified seats where MPs are prepared to step aside.
Pippa Crerar60Burnham’s team has lined up “impressive” candidate to replace him as Grtr Manchester mayor, allies say. He plans to outline “radical rewiring” of state – incl changes to electoral system & 10-year growth plan. @jessicaelgot.bsky.social & @joshhalliday.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Claire S (UK not USA)41I'm a Labour party member, Burnham would not get my vote, who the f*ck does he think he is. He has a job, he was elected to do this job 2 years ago, what disrespect he's showing those who voted for him. Oh and by the way this isn't news and it isn't journalism.
Ruth14As a Labour member I will not vote for Burnham not least because of his relentless self serving undermining of the current Labour cabinet ( not just Starmer !) as he seems to think he’s better than any alternative.. he isn’t ! Mayoral success is no indicator of Labour leadership and PM role !
You are relentless in your pursuit of Starmer’s demise. It is sooo boring.
Jonty7If this story is as shoddy as those about Keir Starmer misleading the House over Mandelson's security vetting, then I won't hold my breath on it happening. I've not voted Labour for 2 decades or so, but these headlines, quoting unnamed sources, really are the worst type of journalism.
La Reine des Metaphores5Oh dear. Now, how about a credible plan to explain where that "exclusive " came from? Coffee and croissants for an honest answer.
penny-pink.bsky.social4There is no guarantee that the chosen seat will elect him. High stakes.
Guy Harvey3His problem will be no mandate
John Rob3I get why Burnham is seen as the best solution to lifting Labour's chances of winning the next GE. But the argument that the cost of running a Manchester mayoral election will hit Labour's finances, still stands surely? Plus, the risk that Reform might win it is a possibility?
tanwyn.bsky.social2Can't be an MP unless the NEC allow it. No guarantees there. If he tries & succeeds, let's just remind ourselves that he was very much a Blairite, & will almost certainly move to the right of centre. Improvement on KS? Nope. It will be more of the same. We deserve so much better. #votegreen
Mrl552So because he doesn’t agree with those elected he undermines the govt. He is a traitor as far as I’m concerned. Disgraceful.
a-e-m.bsky.social2Who is this “credible“ person that people of Greater Manchester are supposed blindly elect? What total arrogance.
Tony Bird2If he does there's a decent chance the Greens will win the seat again
Soluble2"Allies say... his supporters said." Shit journalism. Seriously, get a fucking grip.
Purple Electric2Wow, all the Sensible People are rushing out this same story in almost identical words.
Guardian reporting Andy Burnham has a plan to return to parliament "within weeks" with MPs prepared to resign to trigger a by-election for him He reportedly has the backing of over 80 Labour MPs, enough to trigger a leadership election Do we really need more psycho-drama? Wasn't 14 years enough?
political-economy.bsky.social5It is sheer stupidity ...undermine a labour government doing the job it elected to do. End up looking like the Tories an unserious party of chancers.
Jane Harbison4If they support Burnham they should be ashamed of themselves.
Carolyn Guse3I’ve decided not to be provoked by anything Pippa might be choosing to push in order to spread concern. After all, how many alarm bells have been ringing alteady?
It’s all the media live for. They thrive on it (like leeches).
