50 MPs sign letter against Labour's decision to block Andy Burnham from Westminster by-election
Andy Burnham is widely seen as a challenger to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Around 50 Labour MPs have signed a letter objecting to the party’s decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing for Westminster.
They have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warning the move is a “real gift” to Reform UK and that there is “no legitimate reason” to block Mr Burnham.
Mr Burnham had hoped to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election, but over the weekend Labour’s national executive committee rejected his attempts to stand.
Sir Keir said allowing Mr Burnham to stand would have diverted party resources away from upcoming elections, including the Holyrood election in May. The previous Greater Manchester mayoral election cost taxpayers around £4.7 million.
The Prime Minister was one of the NEC members who voted against Mr Burnham.
However it is widely speculated the decision was made as Mr Burnham is seen as a challenger to Sir Keir’s leadership.
The letter was addressed to the Prime Minister, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in her role as NEC chair, and general secretary Hollie Ridley. The signatories are not expected to be made public.
It said the decision caused a “huge amount of anxiety and anger” amongst the Labour MPs and the wider party membership.
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