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.
It isn’t clear if Burnham will be capable to run as an MP. Pic: PA
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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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.
