By Peter Omopo
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has formally applied for permission to stand in the forthcoming Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election, a move that could reopen his path to Westminster and potentially position him for a future Labour leadership challenge.
Burnham confirmed his intention on Saturday, submitting his application to Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) just before the 5pm deadline and sharing his letter publicly on social media. As a directly elected mayor, he requires NEC approval before he can seek selection as a Labour parliamentary candidate. A decision is expected on Sunday.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down on health grounds on Friday.
In his statement, Burnham described the decision as a “difficult” one, stressing that his aim was to support, not undermine, the Labour government led by Sir Keir Starmer. He said he had already given that assurance directly to the prime minister.
“I see this by-election as the frontline of a fight against a brand of politics that seeks to pit people against each other,” Burnham wrote, adding that he felt a responsibility to “lead from the front” in defence of what he called the “Manchester Way.”
Burnham left Westminster nearly a decade ago, arguing at the time that national politics was not delivering for communities in the North. He said his tenure as mayor had allowed him to pioneer a different approach to governance, but maintained that Greater Manchester could not fully realise its ambitions without broader national change.
Speculation has grown in recent months that Sir Keir Starmer could face a leadership challenge after the May elections, which include votes for the Welsh and Scottish parliaments and local councils in England. Burnham has been widely mentioned as a potential contender, but Labour rules require any leadership challenger to be an MP.
The mayor’s move has exposed divisions within the party. Several Labour MPs have criticised suggestions that Burnham could be blocked by the NEC, warning of serious political fallout if he is prevented from standing.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said Burnham should be allowed to contest the seat, while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described him as a “massive asset” to Parliament. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell also signalled support, saying the party should ensure it fields its “best team” in what could be a challenging by-election.
However, Labour sources say some within the NEC are concerned that Burnham’s candidacy would force him to resign as mayor if elected, triggering a costly Greater Manchester mayoral election. The last such election reportedly cost around £4.7m, raising concerns about both party finances and public expenditure.
Gorton and Denton has traditionally been a Labour stronghold, with the party winning the seat at the 2024 general election by a majority of 13,000. But Labour’s popularity has since dipped, and the party could face a tougher contest from Reform UK and the Green Party, which placed second and third respectively at the last election.
Burnham’s application will now be considered by NEC officers, including Sir Keir Starmer, Lucy Powell, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Labour chair Ellie Reeves and trade union representatives. The outcome is likely to have significant implications for Labour’s internal politics in the months ahead.
