By Peter Omopo
Former UK deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is backing calls for the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to be allowed to contest the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, the BBC has reported.
Rayner is expected to publicly state her position at Labour’s North West regional conference on Saturday. Sources say she does not want Burnham to be blocked by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) from standing in the contest.
The by-election is expected to take place as early as next month following the resignation of former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne from the House of Commons, citing medical advice not to return to work. If Burnham contests and wins the seat, it could pave the way for a potential leadership challenge against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Under Labour Party rules, elected mayors must receive approval from the NEC before standing as parliamentary candidates. Burnham has until 5pm on Saturday to notify the NEC of his intention to stand and is expected to be informed of the committee’s decision on Sunday.
While Burnham has not confirmed his intention to run, he told reporters earlier in the week that he remains focused on his duties as mayor and urged against rushing to conclusions. He has since declined further interview requests.
Reports indicate that some supporters of Sir Keir Starmer within the NEC are seeking to prevent Burnham’s candidacy. Party sources suggest objections could be raised on the grounds that Burnham’s election to Parliament would trigger a Greater Manchester mayoral election, potentially stretching party resources and posing political risks. The NEC may also argue for an all-women shortlist for the by-election, citing gender imbalance among Labour MPs.
Rayner’s support is seen as significant, given her continued backing among Labour MPs and party members despite her resignation last year as deputy prime minister and housing secretary following a finding that she breached the ministerial code.
Labour MPs remain divided on Burnham’s potential return to Westminster. Jo White, MP and leader of the Red Wall group, appeared to support Burnham in a social media post, warning that internal manoeuvring could harm the party. However, Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Middleton South, cautioned that a by-election could be risky for Labour, given recent declines in the party’s popularity.
Labour won the Gorton and Denton seat at the 2024 general election with a majority of about 13,000 votes, but analysts note that the party can no longer assume an easy victory amid shifting political dynamics.
Speculation over Labour’s leadership has intensified ahead of local elections in May, with Burnham, Rayner, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting all mentioned as possible future challengers. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, however, has urged caution, warning that leadership instability could force a general election and destabilise the party further.
