In a striking admission, Labour's Deputy Leader Lucy Powell has declared that Andy Burnham would have triumphed in the Gorton and Denton by-election for the party. Speaking on Saturday, Ms Powell asserted that the Greater Manchester Mayor would 'probably have held' the safe seat, and his candidacy would have deterred the Green Party from aggressively targeting it as they did.
Breaking Ranks Over Burnham Ban
Ms Powell effectively became the first senior minister to publicly dissent from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to bar Mr Burnham from standing. She accepted 'collective responsibility' for the party's move, despite being the sole member of Labour's ruling national executive committee (NEC) to vote in favour of allowing Mr Burnham to contest the Manchester seat. Eight others, including Sir Keir, voted against, citing concerns about triggering a mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester.
Accusations of Political Fear
Many critics have accused the Prime Minister of fearing a potential leadership challenge, as blocking Mr Burnham's return to Parliament prevents him from emerging as a rival candidate. Instead of a likely victory with Mr Burnham as their candidate, Labour suffered a humiliating defeat, finishing third behind the Green Party and Reform UK in what was once considered a secure constituency.
Harnessing Burnham's Popularity
Ms Powell warned that Labour must find a way to leverage Mr Burnham's widespread appeal, noting that people 'see in him someone who is on their side, someone who is delivering those Labour values and those Labour policies.' She emphasised the need to draw inspiration from his success in Greater Manchester and apply those lessons nationally.
'We have to draw on that, make use of Andy Burnham, but also draw on that and reflect on how we could do that better nationally and better as a Government,' she told the Newscast podcast. Ms Powell added that she has discussed this repeatedly with Sir Keir in recent weeks, both before and after the by-election, and he is 'very focused' on addressing the issue.
Starmer's Weakened Position
Sir Keir has vowed to continue leading the party despite the 'disappointing' poll result, but internal pressures are mounting. As the dual threat from the Green Party and Reform UK intensifies, calls for his removal are growing louder within Labour ranks. Meanwhile, Mr Burnham has not yet commented on the outcome in Gorton and Denton, leaving his future political intentions unclear.
The by-election debacle underscores deeper challenges for Labour, highlighting divisions over strategy and leadership. Ms Powell's candid remarks signal a brewing internal conflict as the party grapples with how to reconnect with voters and counter rising competition from smaller parties.
