Andy Burnham, next PM? The big hurdle facing popular mayor

May Andy Burnham be on the point of changing into a member of parliament?

After former minister Andrew Gwynne stepped down as a Labour MP, his Gorton and Denton constituency has been touted as a possible seat for the mayor of Better Manchester.

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Properly, he faces a BIG hurdle.

There’s a new rule – launched within the 2026 Labour rule book – about mayors eager to change into an MP.

It says: “Immediately Elected Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners should search the categorical permission of the NEC/SEC/WEC (as relevant) earlier than in search of nomination as Labour candidates for the Westminster Parliament.

“The NEC/SEC/WEC’s choice shall be closing.”

Burnham must stand down as Manchester mayor, triggering an election for that submit – which Labour should not assured to win and can value a whole bunch of 1000’s of kilos.

So, these are the grounds that may very well be used to dam Burnham by Labour’s Nationwide Govt Committee (NEC).

I am advised Sir Keir Starmer’s chief-of-staff Morgan McSweeney thinks he is obtained the NEC sewn as much as block Burnham.

However you by no means fairly know.

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Who’s stated what about by-election?

Sir Keir Starmer: “Each minute we waste speaking about something aside from the price of dwelling and stability in Europe and throughout the globe is a wasted minute.”
Andy Burnham: “Folks should not rush to conclusions. I’ve been very centered on my function as Mayor of Better Manchester.”
Robert Jenrick: “We will probably be fielding a robust candidate, and if you wish to ship a message to Keir Starmer in that election, then I would urge native folks to vote Reform.”
Greens: “We have been lethal severe once we stated we’re not right here to be upset with Labour, however we’re right here to exchange them. “We have now many proficient members, and it’s right down to the native occasion to decide on who they need to signify them on this upcoming by-election.”

If Burnham is granted permission to use for the seat, the NEC creates an extended and a shortlist.

NEC member Cat Arnold advised Sky Information there have to be a “free and honest choice, at lengthy record and shortlist stage”.

“It will be utterly unacceptable to gerrymander or unduly slender the record of potential candidates,” she stated.

The lengthy record is completed over electronic mail, then the shortlisting is completed by a panel.

The panel has three members of the NEC, one member of the board and a neighborhood constituency consultant.

The panel is chosen by the workplace of the final secretary, Hollie Ridley, who’s near McSweeney.

So it is from clear Burnham wins this.

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