Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has been cleared by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) to seek selection as the party’s candidate in the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, a decision that could pave the way for his return to Westminster and intensify the leadership pressure facing Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
The move marks a significant turning point in Labour’s increasingly turbulent internal politics. If Burnham secures the party’s nomination and wins the seat in north-west England, he is widely expected to launch a bid to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Burnham’s approval by the NEC is especially notable because the same body blocked his previous attempt to stand in a by-election in January. This time, however, party officials have opened the door to a possible parliamentary comeback for one of Labour’s most recognisable and influential figures.
The Makerfield constituency became vacant on Thursday after Labour MP Josh Simons announced he would resign to allow Burnham to contest the seat. Simons stated he was stepping aside in what many within the party see as a strategic move to give Burnham a route back to the House of Commons.
Under Labour Party rules, any leadership contender must be a sitting Member of Parliament. Burnham, who has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, has repeatedly been mentioned as a potential successor to Keir Starmer but has until now lacked a practical path back to Westminster.
Announcing his decision to enter the selection process, Burnham noted that, he wanted to “bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people.”
“Millions are struggling and they need the Labour Government to succeed. It has already made changes to make life better for them in its first two years.
“After this week, we owe it to people to come back together as a Labour movement, giving the Prime Minister and the Government the space and stability they need as the by-election takes place.”
Andy Burnham
He added that, “we will change Labour for the better and make it a party you can believe in again.”
Applications to become Labour’s candidate for Makerfield will close on Monday, 18 May, with a selection meeting scheduled for 21 May. Although the constituency has traditionally been considered a Labour stronghold, recent political trends suggest Burnham could face a more competitive contest than many would have expected.
Reform UK has made notable gains in former Labour heartlands, and analysts believe Makerfield may be vulnerable. Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice indicated that his party would be “throwing everything possible” to secure what he described as a “seismic” victory.
The Green Party also signalled its intention to mount a strong campaign, saying, “We’ve learnt from our campaigning and wins in Gorton and Denton and the recent local elections, and we’ve shown we can beat Reform.”
The NEC’s decision comes at the end of one of the most dramatic weeks in Labour’s recent history. The party has been engulfed in turmoil following disappointing election results and growing unrest among MPs.
Burnham’s Comeback Raises Stakes in Growing Revolt Against Keir Starmer
Meanwhile, nearly 90 Labour MPs have reportedly urged Prime Minister, Keir Starmer to step aside, while five ministers have resigned from government. Despite the pressure, the Prime Minister has refused to set a timetable for his departure and is expected to fight any formal challenge.
Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, a close ally of Keir Starmer, sought to calm tensions within the party.
“It’s been a very difficult week, but we need to take a breath now, take this weekend to reflect on what’s going on, and come back next week and focus on the country we were elected to serve.”
Steve Reed
While Burnham’s return to Parliament would make him an immediate frontrunner in any future contest, he is not the only potential challenger. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned earlier this week, fuelling speculation that he may also seek the leadership.
In his resignation letter, Streeting called for a broad debate about Labour’s future, though he stopped short of confirming his own candidacy. His allies insist he already has the support of the 81 Labour MPs required to enter a race.
In a message posted on social media, Streeting welcomed Burnham’s possible return, stating, “we need our best players on the pitch.”
However, some Labour MPs have voiced frustration with Burnham’s ambitions. Neil Coyle noted that Burnham had been trying to replace Sir Keir for a long time “and frankly some of us are sick of it.”
Others also believe Burnham could help reconnect Labour with voters who have drifted away.
Labour MP Olivia Blake highlighted that Burnham “would be a great addition back into Parliament,” adding, “he’s done great things in Manchester. He can cut through in a way we have been failing to cut through.”
The Conservative Party has also weighed in on the unfolding drama. Party leader Kemi Badenoch stated that “Andy Burnham wants to rock up and just be Prime Minister despite being out of Parliament for a decade.”
For now, Sir Keir remains in office and continues to resist calls to step down.
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