Key figures from Labour's Blue Labour movement have publicly backed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the party's next leader, delivering a significant blow to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's leadership ambitions. Lord Maurice Glasman and MP Graham Stringer are among those who have thrown their support behind Mahmood, shifting the dynamics of the internal race.
Burnham's Leadership Hopes Dimmed
Andy Burnham was previously regarded as a strong contender for the top job, but this endorsement of Mahmood signals a change in momentum. The move comes amid discussions over Burnham's stance on rejoining the European Union, a sensitive issue in the upcoming Makerfield by-election where he is the Labour candidate. The by-election has been officially triggered, offering Burnham a potential route to Parliament.
Polling and Rival Candidates
Despite the setback, polling by More in Common suggests Burnham is the best-placed leadership hopeful to challenge Nigel Farage, outperforming Keir Starmer in a hypothetical head-to-head. The Makerfield by-election will also feature Reform UK's Robert Kenyon as a candidate, despite his X account being suspended. Nigel Farage is expected to campaign for Kenyon, adding further intrigue to the contest.
The shift in support within Blue Labour underscores the internal divisions over Brexit and the party's future direction, with Burnham's position on EU membership becoming a focal point of debate.
