A byelection opportunity has emerged in the Manchester constituency of Gorton and Denton following Andrew Gwynne’s resignation due to ill health. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, has submitted a formal application to stand as Labour’s candidate before Saturday’s 5pm deadline. Gwynne was officially appointed crown steward and bailiff of the Manor of Northstead on Friday, enabling his departure from the House of Commons.
Burnham’s candidacy requires approval from Labour’s national executive committee, but party insiders have raised concerns that Starmer’s allies, who dominate the committee, may attempt to block his return to parliament. The 56-year-old has long been viewed as a potential successor to the prime minister if Starmer were to lose support. Speculation intensified at the party conference in Liverpool when Burnham revealed that Labour MPs had approached him during summer, expressing concerns about Starmer’s unpopularity.
Senior party figures have publicly backed Burnham’s bid. London mayor Sadiq Khan declared his support, pledging to campaign for Burnham between now and the byelection. Khan stated he believes the best team requires all available talent and would prioritize helping Burnham secure victory. Khan’s endorsement suggests confidence in Burnham’s electability and broader appeal within the party.
Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell, who represents Manchester Central, also defended Burnham’s right to stand. Powell emphasized that local party members should decide their candidate, not the national leadership. She praised Burnham as exceptionally popular and credited him with improving Manchester significantly. Powell warned that selecting the wrong candidate could result in losing the seat to Reform UK or the Green Party.
Powell stressed the importance of fielding the strongest possible candidate to secure victory in what she characterized as a difficult byelection. She advocated for allowing the best candidates to come forward and compete for the party’s nomination. Her comments suggest tension between the national committee and local members regarding who should represent the constituency in parliament.
