Labour Faces Internal Rebellion Over Burnham By-Election Block
Housing Secretary Steve Reed has insisted that the decision to prevent Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in a parliamentary by-election is "done and dusted," despite mounting anger from within Labour ranks. The declaration comes as approximately 50 Labour MPs have signed a letter objecting to the move, warning it reinforces public cynicism about politics being a "remote stitch-up."
MPs Warn of Democratic Deficit in Scathing Letter
The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley, argues there is "no legitimate reason" for blocking Burnham's candidacy in the upcoming Gorton and Denton contest. The document warns that denying local members a genuine choice only strengthens perceptions that politics is controlled by "a small group of people at the very top in London."
While the identities of signatories remain confidential, the letter reveals significant "anxiety and anger" within the Parliamentary Labour Party over the weekend decision by Labour's National Executive Committee. A 10-member NEC subcommittee, including Starmer, voted unanimously to prevent Burnham from seeking the Westminster seat.
Minister Denies Leadership Challenge Fears
Speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday, Reed rejected suggestions that the block stemmed from concerns about Starmer facing a potential leadership challenge from the popular mayor. "No, it's got absolutely nothing to do with that at all," he told Times Radio, instead framing the decision as honoring Burnham's commitment to serve his full four-year mayoral term.
"They're entitled to their view, of course they are, but Labour's ruling National Executive Committee took the decision this weekend that it is better for Andy Burnham to continue to serve out his full four-year term as mayor of Manchester," Reed explained to BBC Breakfast. He emphasized that Manchester residents deserve continuity in leadership during Burnham's "outstanding" tenure.
Starmer Defends Decision Amid Growing Backlash
Prime Minister Starmer defended the NEC's move on Monday, arguing that allowing Burnham to contest the by-election would divert crucial resources from May's local election campaigns. He positioned the "battle of our times" as between Labour and Reform UK rather than internal party conflicts, appealing for unity despite the brewing rebellion.
However, critics within Labour accuse Starmer and his allies of factional motivations, suggesting they fear Burnham's potential leadership challenge as both party poll ratings and Starmer's personal approval struggle. One anonymous MP warned that defeat in the February by-election could spell disaster for Starmer's leadership, particularly if May's elections proceed as anticipated.
Party Unity Efforts Meet Mixed Reception
During a closed-door Parliamentary Labour Party meeting on Monday, Attorney General Lord Hermer attempted to rally MPs ahead of the Manchester contest, expressing confidence that Labour would "change this country for the better." While some attendees described his speech as a "tour de force" and reported good-humored discussions, others remained unconvinced by the unity message.
Burnham himself expressed disappointment with the decision, stating he was "concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us." In a social media statement, he pledged to return with "full focus" to his mayoral duties while urging party unity against "the divisive politics of Reform."
The controversy highlights deepening tensions within Labour as the party approaches critical electoral tests, with the Burnham block exposing fractures between leadership priorities and backbench concerns about democratic processes.
