Labour's NEC Blocks Andy Burnham's Bid for Westminster Return in Gorton and Denton By-Election

Labour's Ruling Body Rejects Burnham's Candidacy

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been blocked from standing as a Labour candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. The decision was made on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by a 10-strong 'officers group' within Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC). The vote, which saw an 8-1 majority against Burnham's bid, effectively prevents his immediate return to Westminster.

The by-election for the Gorton and Denton constituency was triggered by the resignation of suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who is stepping down due to health reasons.

Reasons Cited for the Block

The Labour Party's official statement indicated that the NEC's decision was made to avoid 'an unnecessary election for the position of Greater Manchester mayor'. The committee argued that holding a snap mayoral election would be 'hugely expensive and destabilising' and would significantly impact the party's campaign resources ahead of other crucial elections. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was part of the officers' group that voted to deny Burnham permission to stand, while Deputy Leader Lucy Powell was the sole vote in favour.

Burnham's Reaction and Political Context

In response to the NEC's ruling, Andy Burnham expressed his 'disappointment' and criticised 'the way the Labour party is being run' under Starmer's leadership. Burnham has served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, having been re-elected in 2021 and 2024. Prior to his mayoral role, he was the MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017 and held several ministerial positions, including Secretary of State for Health and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Wider Implications and Party Divisions

The decision has sparked considerable debate and anger within Labour ranks. Critics suggest that the block was motivated by 'factional reasons', with some fearing a potential leadership challenge to Keir Starmer if Burnham were to return to Parliament. Several Labour MPs and union figures have condemned the move, with some calling it a 'huge mistake' and 'blatant gerrymandering'. Concerns have also been raised that the decision could make the Gorton and Denton seat vulnerable to a challenge from Reform UK. Despite the immediate setback, senior Labour politicians have indicated that a return to Westminster for Burnham after his current mayoral term concludes in 2028 remains a possibility.