Scottish Labour has not ruled out allowing Andy Burnham to run for a Westminster seat in Scotland, potentially enabling him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership. The Greater Manchester mayor is seen as a contender, but he would first need to secure a seat in Parliament.
When asked whether Mr Burnham could stand in a Scottish by-election, Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour's deputy leader and a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), stated: "You'll just need to wait until after the NEC meeting on Tuesday." This cautious response comes amid growing turmoil within the Labour Party.
Streeting's Resignation Sparks Leadership Speculation
The developments follow Wes Streeting's resignation as Health Secretary on Thursday. In his departure letter, Mr Streeting criticised the "drift" at the top of government and told the Prime Minister it is "clear" he will not lead Labour into the next election. While stopping short of announcing his own candidacy, Mr Streeting urged Sir Keir to allow the "best possible field of candidates" to replace him, hinting at support for including Mr Burnham.
Reports suggest that former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner may also enter the leadership race. Mr Burnham is considered a strong candidate, but his lack of a parliamentary seat remains an obstacle.
By-Election Opportunities in Scotland
The election of two SNP MPs to the Scottish Parliament has created vacancies in two Westminster constituencies. Stephen Flynn's departure leaves Aberdeen South up for grabs, while Stephen Gethins's Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat also requires a new MP. However, sources indicate Mr Burnham would prefer to contest a seat in Greater Manchester.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, speaking at Holyrood, said it was "still to be seen" whether a leadership contest would materialise. When asked if he would support Mr Burnham standing in Scotland, Mr Sarwar replied: "Look, Andy likes to say he's a King in the North. There's north of Manchester, that's Scotland. I'm sure if Andy is going to run it will probably be somewhere in Greater Manchester. I'm not sure he's that familiar with Aberdeen."
Pressed further on whether Mr Burnham should be allowed to run, Mr Sarwar added: "Well, look, of course, in all these situations, you want the people that are the best players on the pitch, but that's ultimately a decision for the NEC. Of course, if anyone sought to stand in a Scottish constituency, that would be a matter for the Scottish Executive Committee."
Political Reactions
The SNP criticised Labour's internal focus. Seamus Logan, the party's health spokesman at Westminster, said: "This isn't Government, this is chaos. The eventual resignation of Peter Mandelson's right-wing pal Wes Streeting is a sure sign that Keir Starmer's Labour Party is preparing to go from bad to worse. In contrast to the chaos of Westminster, John Swinney and the SNP have shown serious leadership for Scotland."
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer stated: "Time is up for Starmer. Labour promised change, but instead they have chosen to continue the Tories' legacy of failure and chaos. All of this is designed to protect their donors and super-rich pals."
If Sir Keir does not step down, he would automatically appear on the ballot in any leadership contest. Downing Street continues to insist he will fight any attempt to oust him.
