Andy Burnham Given 24-Hour Deadline on Labour Party Future
Labour Party leadership has set a 24-hour deadline for Andy Burnham to decide on his candidacy for a by-election. This swift timeline comes amidst suggestions that Burnham should make a return to the House of Commons, particularly with the Prime Minister’s declining popularity.
Timetable for By-Election Selection
On Friday, Labour announced a tight schedule for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. Burnham has until 5 PM on Saturday to seek permission to stand. Applications for candidates opened at 5 PM on Friday and will close by midnight on Sunday.
- Monday: Longlist of six candidates will be created.
- Tuesday: Shortlisting interviews will be conducted.
- Next Saturday: Hustings and final selection will take place.
Political Context
Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has publicly supported Burnham’s potential candidacy. He has been the mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and could significantly impact Labour’s prospects if he returns to Parliament.
The by-election has come about due to the health-related resignation of Andrew Gwynne, who had previously sent inappropriate messages. Labour holds a majority of 13,413 in the constituency, winning over 50% of votes in the last general election.
Challenges Ahead for Burnham
Despite Labour’s solid position, Burnham faces several hurdles. A campaign to prevent his candidacy is reportedly underway, backed by some allies of the Prime Minister. He also contends with Labour’s rules that require elected mayors to obtain permission from the national executive before pursuing a parliamentary nomination.
If Burnham chooses to run, he must resign as mayor, leading to another election that Labour could risk losing. The current political climate is further complicated by a rise in support for parties like Reform UK and the Green Party.
Potential Opponents
If Burnham enters the race, he might face challenges from notable political figures. George Galloway, who recently won a by-election in Rochdale, and Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, could emerge as significant competitors.
Ultimately, Burnham’s decision will not only shape his future but could affect Labour’s overall strategy and success in the upcoming by-election. Failure in this venture could mark a critical juncture in his political career.
