Andy Burnham has said he is “disappointed” after Labour’s leadership blocked his bid for MP selection in a political gamble that risked sparking civil war within the party.
The National Executive Committee (NEC), which is chaired by home secretary Shabana Mahmood and also includes Sir Keir Starmer among its members, rebuffed Mr Burnham’s application to become Labour’s candidate in the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton on Sunday. The vote was 8-1 against the mayor of Greater Manchester.
In a series of social media posts on Sunday afternoon, Mr Burnham said: “I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us.”
He also voiced criticism about “the way the Labour Party is being run these days” and hit back at those expressing support for the decision.
The decision has provoked backlash from MPs supportive of Mr Burnham, who warned “deep-seated factionalism” was going to “destroy the Labour Party”, while some sections of the party claimed the move was a “stitch-up”.
Meanwhile, allies of Sir Keir were worried that allowing Mr Burnham a path back to Westminster might pose a threat to his leadership.
Key Points
- 'Disappointed' Burnham breaks silence over blocking of by-election bid
- Burnham hits back at those backing blocking of his path back to Westminster
- Manchester mayor prevented from standing in Gorton and Denton by-election
- Burnham blocked by 8 votes to 1 – and Starmer voted against him
- Labour Party explains why Burnham was blocked in statement
Explained: Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
02:00 , Tara Cobham
Starmer 'personally led calls' to block Burnham's path back to Westminster
01:00 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer personally led the calls to block Andy Burnham’s path back to Westminster, according to reports.
A source within the NEC told the Daily Express: “Keir was there and led from the front. He took up the mantel and even the most sceptical about Keir were very impressed.
“The Prime Minister argued that we couldn't risk a by-election in Greater Manchester [for mayor], and that the psychodrama from the last 48 hours had not been helpful.”
Watch: Diane Abbott says Burnham decision makes Starmer look ‘weak’
00:00 , Tara CobhamProfile: ‘King of the North’ Andy Burnham whose bid to return to Westminster sparked Labour civil war
23:00 , Tara CobhamIt would not be the first time that the mayor of a big city went on to become head of their country’s government, though it’s unusual. Three US presidents have done so (Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge), and in Europe there are the highly notable examples of Chancellor Willy Brandt (graduating from West Berlin), and Jacques Chirac (Paris). Here, of course, we saw Boris Johnson perfecting his populist skills in London before, in due course, graduating to the premiership. The question for 2026 is whether Andy Burnham can make a similar journey from his mayoral HQ at the Tootal Building in Manchester to 10 Downing Street. The upcoming by-election in the usually safe Labour seat of Gorton, well inside Burnham’s northern fiefdom, opens up at least the possibility that Burnham might repeat Johnson’s feat.
Burnham, a minister in the Blair and Brown governments who has been reborn as the mayor of Greater Manchester, has already been almost prime minister, you know. He may presently be the “King of the North”, enjoying marginally better ratings that the party nationally, but he could now be trying, for the third time, for an even more exalted position – leader of the Labour Party, and with it, the premiership. It was a laughable proposition for almost the whole of Sir Keir Starmer’s period of previously unassailable dominance, but suddenly, before last autumn’s party conference, in a panicky mood, the Labour Party seemed to have caught what might be termed “the Tory disease” – the delusion that a change of leader can solve all its problems, coupled with an addiction to plotting. Burnham, away from Westminster for most of the past decade, seemed to be the nearest thing they have to a fresh start.
Sean O’Grady writes:
Andy Burnham: The ‘King of the North’ whose Westminster bid sparked Labour civil war
Labour source says Burnham’s claim media was told of NEC decision before him is ‘categorically untrue’
22:11 , Tara CobhamA Labour source has said Andy Burnham’s claim that the media was told of the NEC’s decision before him is “categorically untrue”.
The Manchester mayor posted on X earlier: “The fact that the media was informed of the NEC decision before I was tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days. You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not.”
But a Labour source told Sky News this was “categorically untrue”.
Beth Rigby posted on X: “Am told the party attempted to contact Andy shortly after the meeting had concluded over the phone and then contacted him via email. Am told the party categorically did not brief the media until Andy and the full NEC had been informed of the decision.”
On this a Labour source tells me: “This is categorically untrue." Am told the party attempted to contact Andy shortly after the meeting had concluded over the phone and then contacted him via email. Am told the party categorically did not brief the media until Andy & the full NEC… https://t.co/OIQezc3ycU
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) January 25, 2026
Burnham hits back at those backing blocking of his path back to Westminster
21:58 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has hit back at those backing the blocking of his path back to Westminster.
Journalist Tom Baldwin, a former Labour adviser, posted on X on Sunday evening: “I’ve always liked @AndyBurnhamGM but the prospect of him returning to Westminster has already added to inward-looking psychodrama that does no one any good. And an unnecessary by-election for Mayor of Manchester might well have resulted in long term damage to his reputation too.”
The Manchester mayor replied in the comments: “I’m not sure losing a by-election does us any good either, Tom.”
I’m not sure losing a by-election does us any good either, Tom.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
UK's unions divided over Burnham decision
21:13 , Tara CobhamAndrea Egan, the newly-elected general secretary of Britain’s largest trade union Unison, said: “I know many, many trade unionists will be so disappointed and angry at local members not being given a say over who their candidate should be.
“This isn’t the way any democratic organisation should be run. Now’s the time to unite our movement, not divide it.”
The TSSA union accused the NEC of blocking Mr Burnham for “factional reasons”, adding: “Labour has lost its way and must change its path to survive.”
But Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said her union accepted the decision and the conclusion that Mr Burnham’s candidacy would mean “major disruption”.
Some Labour MPs come out in favour of NEC's decision
20:49 , Tara CobhamSome Labour MPs have come out in favour of the NEC’s decision, urging the party to avoid infighting and move on to winning the by-election.
Phil Brickell, who represents the Greater Manchester constituency of Bolton West, said speculation about Andy Burnham’s candidacy in recent days had “seen the Labour Party quickly turn inward… undermining the PM’s efforts at home and abroad”.
Rugby MP John Slinger said the “quick and clear decision” meant the party could “move on from the damaging, introspection and psychodrama of the last week” and “pull together” behind the eventual candidate.
Comment: Andy Burnham blocked: Keir Starmer is ruthless but right
20:20 , Tara CobhamKeir Starmer faced a simple choice: either suffer the temporary embarrassment of blocking a rival, or paralyse the government by allowing Andy Burnham to be the focus of persistent leadership speculation.
The prime minister chose the first option, because that is in the best interests of the country, the Labour Party – and himself. Politicians can be ruthless, hypocritical and self-interested, but sometimes they can also be right.
It doesn’t look brave or democratic or comradely to refuse Burnham permission to be the Labour candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, but there was never any question of letting him stand.
John Rentoul writes:
Watch: Mahmood says 'voters won't forgive Labour psychodrama over Burnham'
20:00 , Tara CobhamBackbenchers call on NEC to reconsider Burnham decision
19:40 , Tara CobhamSeveral backbenchers have called on the NEC to reconsider its decision, including Socialist Campaign Group secretary Richard Burgon and former cabinet minister Louise Haigh.
Ms Haigh said the decision was “incredibly disappointing” and called for the NEC to “change course and make the right decision”.
She said: “Otherwise I think we’ll all come to regret this.”
Labour group Mainstream calls on party to reverse Burnham decision
19:20 , Tara CobhamLabour group Mainstream has called on the party to reverse the decision to block Andy Burnham’s bid for MP selection “if it is serious about putting country before party”.
Mainstream's Interim Council said on Sunday: “Labour must reverse this decision if it is serious about putting country before party.
“We urge the Party to reconsider in the interests of taking on Reform and building the strongest possible team in Westminster.”
'Very clear majority' against allowing Burnham's bid, NEC sources say
19:06 , Tara CobhamSources in Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) said there had been a “very clear majority” against allowing Adny Burnham to apply for selection in the Gorton and Denton seat.
The decision was made by a 10-strong sub-group of the NEC, chaired by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, on Sunday morning.
Burnham hits out at how Labour Party is being run
18:55 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has hit out at how the Labour Party is currently being run.
In a third post on X this afternoon, the Greater Manchester mayor said: “PS - The fact that the media was informed of the NEC decision before I was tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days.
“You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not.”
PS - The fact that the media was informed of the NEC decision before I was tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not. 🤷🏻♂️
NEC denied Burnham permission to stand to avoid 'unnecessary' mayoral by-election
18:51 , Tara CobhamThe Labour Party said the National Executive Committee (NEC) had decided to deny Andy Burnham permission to stand in order to avoid “an unnecessary election for the position of Greater Manchester mayor”.
The decision was confirmed in a statement after members of the NEC voted on Sunday morning to deny Mr Burnham permission to stand in the contest.
Watch: Diane Abbott says Burnham decision makes Starmer look ‘weak’
18:44 , Holly BancroftSenior Labour politicians leave door open for Burnham comeback even after blocking bid
18:37 , Tara CobhamDespite blocking his candidacy, senior Labour politicians left the door open for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster after his term as mayor ends in 2028.
Steve Reed, the local government secretary, told the BBC: “In due course, I look forward to seeing Andy back in parliament.”
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LibDem leader Sir Ed Davey calls on government to sell war bonds
18:25 , Holly BancroftLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the government to sell war bonds to ready the country to face a "new kind of threat" from Vladimir Putin alongside a US which is "no longer a reliable ally".
Sir Ed urged a step-change in the speed of UK rearmament and said the government should ask the British public to buy war bonds to raise £20 billion for defence spending.
His party suggests the bonds should be sold for two years to help the Government achieve its goal of boosting defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030 - four years earlier than its current target.
He told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "Vladimir Putin poses a new kind of threat and that's why the Liberal Democrats have argued that we need to increase defence spending.
"Today, we've called on the Government to issue war bonds so we can increase the amount of money available to invest in defence far more quickly."
The bonds would "echo" those issued during the First and Second World Wars, the Liberal Democrats said, funding new military equipment and other "major assets".
Asked whether he thinks the country is at war, Sir Ed replied: "I think we're in almost a cold war-type scenario, aren't we? We've seen a lot of evidence of Russia using drones, using submarines, shadow fleets and so on.
"But this is a serious threat, and we need to move far faster than what the government has been doing."
Burnham cites stopping 'divisive politics of Reform' as reason behind MP bid
18:14 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has cited stopping the “divisive politics of Reform” as the reason behind his bid for MP selection.
In a post on X on Sunday afternoon, the Greater Manchester mayor said: “Tomorrow I return with full focus to my role as Mayor of GM, defending everything we have built in our city-region over many years.
“I decided to put myself forward to prevent the divisive politics of Reform from damaging that. We are stronger together and let’s stay that way.”
Tomorrow I return with full focus to my role as Mayor of GM, defending everything we have built in our city-region over many years.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
I decided to put myself forward to prevent the divisive politics of Reform from damaging that. We are stronger together and let’s stay that way. 💪🏻
Watch: Kemi Badenoch says she joined the Tories for the 'partying'
18:02 , Holly Bancroft'Disappointed' Burnham breaks silence over blocking of by-election bid
17:53 , Tara CobhamAndy Burnham has said he is “disappointed” that he has been barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election but would give his “full support” to Labour’s candidate.
“I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us,” the Greater Manchester mayor said in a post on social media site X on Sunday afternoon.
“To whoever is Labour’s candidate and to our members in Manchester and Tameside: you will have my full support and I will be there whenever you need me.”
I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 25, 2026
To whoever is Labour’s candidate and to our members in Manchester and Tameside: you will have my full support and I will be there whenever you need me.
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Labour MP cites Andy Burnham's winning power after NEC block him
17:47 , Holly BancroftKarl Turner, Labour MP for East Hull, who supported Andy Burnham in his bid to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election, has said the decision to block him was “disappointing” given his electoral success.
Writing on X, Mr Turner said: “Andy Burnham won every single box as the candidate for GM mayoralty. Not wards. Every single box. Clearly he would have had a challenge given the polling for Labour at the moment but when you consider [his] popularity he polls more popular than any individual across the board.
“It is disappointing that the ruling body has decided to interpret the rules to effectively block AB going forward for further consideration. It is a decision though that we must live with. We must try to find a way to unite the party”.
‘We want a real political fight over this’: Why Starmer wants to make Brexit the key issue at the next election
17:32 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer is planning to make Brexit the key dividing line at the next general election as the government attempts to claw back voters lost to Reform UK, writes political correspondent Millie Cooke.
After the prime minister vowed to “reset” relations and bring the UK into closer alignment with the EU, following years of strained relations under the Tories, Labour believes it is the only political party with a position on Brexit that reflects the views of the general public.
Ten years on from the referendum, polling generally shows that a majority of voters think that Brexit is not currently working and want closer ties with the bloc. However, a majority seem to think that rejoining should not be a priority for the government.
After tacking to the right on migration, with a clampdown on illegal Channel crossings and ministers ramping up their rhetoric on the issue, it is on EU relations that the government believes it can strike a clear dividing line with opposition parties.
Government sources told The Independent that party attack units plan to paint Nigel Farage as an “ideological zealot” who is putting his anti-EU beliefs ahead of striking trade agreements which would benefit the UK economy.
Read more about his plans here:
Inside Starmer’s plan to fight next general election on Brexit divide
Explainer: Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?
17:06 , Holly BancroftAndy Burnham has been blocked from standing as an MP in the Gorton and Denton by-election due to concerns about the cost of fighting a mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester, writes Bryony Gooch.
Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) made the decision on Sunday morning via a 10-strong sub-group, chaired by home secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Several senior figures had initially called for local members to have the final say on whether the Greater Manchester mayor should stand. Deputy leader Lucy Powell, an NEC member, and cabinet minister Ed Miliband both told a conference in London on Saturday that the decision should be left to members.
Mr Burnham has long been seen as a potential rival to Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, with rumours floating last year that he would return to Westminster and pose a challenge against the prime minister.
Sources in the NEC said there had been a “very clear majority” against allowing Mr Burnham to apply for selection in the seat, with the party insisting he was “doing a great job as mayor of Greater Manchester”.
Read more here:
Tony Blair's former political secretary accuses Starmer of 'selfish error'
16:42 , Holly BancroftTony Blair’s former political secretary has said that Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to block Andy Burnham from running to be an MP in Gorton and Denton was “a selfish error”, writes Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.
John McTernan told The Independent: "At a time when Labour are historically unpopular, it is a selfish error to block the most popular Labour politician in the country from standing.
“It leaves this by-election as a showcase for insurgent parties of the left and right.
"Although the previous MP won the seat with 51 per cent of the vote in 2024, it could still be a tough fight for Labour. The party has plummeted in the opinion polls since and faces the rise of both Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left.”
Analysis: Keir Starmer is ruthless but right
16:20 , Holly BancroftKeir Starmer faced a simple choice: either suffer the temporary embarrassment of blocking a rival, or paralyse the government by allowing Andy Burnham to be the focus of persistent leadership speculation, writes Chief Political Commentator John Rentoul.
The prime minister chose the first option, because that is in the best interests of the country, the Labour Party – and himself. Politicians can be ruthless, hypocritical and self-interested, but sometimes they can also be right.
It doesn’t look brave or democratic or comradely to refuse Burnham permission to be the Labour candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, but there was never any question of letting him stand.
The party leader has a majority on Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), and the rules say that Labour mayors cannot be parliamentary candidates without permission from the NEC. The party leader does not want a dangerous rival in the House of Commons, and so Burnham will stay in Manchester. That is the reality of power.
Read more of The Independent’s analysis here:
Trade union Usdaw say they accept decision of NEC to block Burnham
16:01 , Holly BancroftLabour-affiliated trade union Usdaw has said it accepts the decision of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) to block Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said: "We acknowledge that Labour's NEC sub-committee gave full consideration to Andy Burnham's application and looking closely at the wider ramifications.
"We accept their decision and conclusion about the major disruption that would be caused by Andy Burnham abandoning his current role. He is a fantastic mayor, who won a majority in every ward across Greater Manchester, and I know he will continue to deliver for those voters.
"We call on the party to unite and focus on delivering the change that was promised and the country voted for."
'Voters don't like elections that come mid-term', Steve Reeds says as he defends NEC decision to block Burnham
15:40 , Holly BancroftVoters elected Andy Burnham to serve a four-year term and "don't like" mid-term elections, Steve Reed said as he defended the decision to block the mayor's candidacy in Gorton and Denton.
Mr Reed , who is local government secretary, told the BBC: "Voters don't like elections that come mid-term. People voted in Greater Manchester overwhelmingly for Andy Burnham to be their mayor two years ago, for a four-year term."
He added: "In a democracy, politicians are elected to serve a term. The mayor of Greater Manchester was elected for a four-year term. He's halfway through that term now.
"So we're not going to go back and ask the people of Greater Manchester, over two million of them who are entitled to vote, to elect somebody else to complete the next two (years), because we can select a different candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, and we will make the case for the Labour government."
Minister Steve Reed says Andy Burnham 'has two more years of his term to run'
15:25 , Holly BancroftLocal government secretary Steve Reed said he looked forward to seeing Andy Burnham back in Parliament "in due course".
He told the BBC: "He's got two more years of his term to run.
"In due course, I look forward to seeing Andy back in Parliament. Right now, we don't want to trigger an avoidable by-election in Greater Manchester."
He added: "I know that's disappointing for Andy but it's good news for the people of Greater Manchester because he's been doing such a good job as the mayor."
Labour MPs split on Andy Burnham decision
15:16 , Holly BancroftSome Labour MPs welcomed the NEC’s quick decision, with Buckhingham MP Callum Anderson saying: “Our party and country are always best when we look forward, not back”.
Labour MP for Exeter Steve Race said: “Glad that this has been a quick decision and we can put the psychodrama to bed”.
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said that he supported the NEC blocking Andy Burnham because he didn’t “see the necessity of the public spending £4.7m on a mayoral by-election for AB to be a candidate”.
However Brian Leishman, a Scottish Labour MP, said the party “have decided that they are willing to lose the Gorton and Denton by-election because of their own weakness and insecurity”. He called the decision to block Mr Burnham “disgraceful”.
Labour MP for Middlesbrough Andy McDonald said it was “completely outrageous”, adding: “I’m afraid the NEC and the control freaks have made a catastrophic mistake and they have massively miscalculated the damage this will cause”.
Karl Turner, MP for East Hull, said that “it seems that we’ve decided to bench our political equivalent of Messi”.
Dame Priti Patel: Sir Keir Starmer should not go to China
15:07 , Holly BancroftShadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel has said Sir Keir Starmer should not make a future trip to China, saying he would be going there “in a position of weakness”.
Speaking on Sky News on Sunday morning, Dame Priti said: “Keir Starmer who having done terrible things to this country’s economy is now off on a plane, jetting off to Beijing, because he wants to secure a trade deal.”
Dame Priti said she didn’t think Sir Keir should go to China, adding: “We already have economic ties with China, we have economic trade taking place, but he should be basically putting pressure on China to stop the cyber attacks, to stop the espionage, to stand up and confront Beijing on Jimmy Lai and what is happening with that particular case.
“Instead all we see him is kowtowing to China.”
Tory politicians launch movement for the 'politically homeless'
14:46 , Holly BancroftConservative politicians Sir Andy Street and Baroness Ruth Davidson are set to launch a "movement" aimed at attracting millions of "politically homeless" voters to the Tory party.
The pair said they have identified seven million people who are of the centre, or the centre-right, of politics who do not feel there is a party representing them.
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, they said they "want to go out and speak to" these people about the "bread and butter" issues affecting the country.
Sir Andy, the former mayor of the West Midlands, said: "There are actually millions of people in the centre, centre-right, of politics, who actually don't feel at the moment that there is a party that's representing them.
"So we want to step forward with a national movement, grassroots movement, to get out there, talking to voters, and particularly to businesses, to bring forward ideas, where the tip of the spear is very much around the economy and the bread and butter issues about making people feel better off in this country."
Sir Andy said the country succeeds when business succeeds, adding that there are "really fertile areas that will stretch the remit of the current party and win back those people who perhaps have not come back yet".
When asked if he still thinks Kemi Badenoch is the right person to lead the Conservative Party, Sir Andy said they are "committed Conservatives", adding: "We believe that Kemi Badenoch should be the next Prime Minister of this country."
Abbott says Burnham decision makes Starmer look ‘weak’
14:39 , Kate DevlinFormer Labour MP Diane Abbott has told Times Radio the decision was a “huge mistake” and makes Keir Starmer look “weak”.
She said Sir Keir and those around him are “not going to change their mind about their belief that Andy Burnham is too much of a threat”.
She also predicted that, the way things were going, Sir Keir would still face a leadership challenge after disastrous election results in May, whether or not Mr Burnham was in Parliament.
Ms Abbott, who sits as an independent MP after being suspended from the Labour party in 2025 over comments she made on racism, said: “If the results in May are as bad as we all think they're going to be, a challenger will emerge from somewhere, and Keir Starmer will be in a very difficult position.”
Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh says Labour should 'change course' and allow Burnham to stand
14:30 , Holly BancroftFormer cabinet minister Louise Haigh said Labour should "change course" and allow Andy Burnham to stand in Gorton and Denton or "we'll all come to regret this".
She said: "This is an incredibly disappointing decision.
"There's no point pretending we don't have a problem connecting with the public at the minute.
"The leadership should not feel threatened by having one of the most popular politicians in the country as part of the national team.
"It's not too late to change course and make the right decision. Otherwise I think we'll all come to regret this."
Minister Mike Tapp says being elected to 'public office is an honour'
14:14 , Holly BancroftHome Office minister Mike Tapp has said that being elected to “public office is an honour” in a cryptic message following the NEC’s vote to block Andy Burnham.
He reacted saying: “Being elected to public office is an honour, and that responsibility should be respected. The public expects us to get on with the job we were elected to do.
“Let’s keep these Putin loving, fake patriot, washed up Tories out of Gorton and Denton”.
More Labour MPs react to news that Andy Burnham's Westminster bid has been blocked
13:56 , Holly BancroftLabour MP for Poole, Neil Duncan-Jordan, has said that the vote against Andy Burnham was a “stitch-up” that “puts control before country”.
He added: “The strength of the Labour movement lies in its pluralist broad church. The authoritarian factionalism of the Labour right is tearing us apart. This must be reversed. Our members expect us to come together to beat Reform.”
He continued: “Those who have orchestrated this outcome are happy to destroy the Labour Party because of their deep seated factionalism. We’ve seen this before when some individuals were actively working against us winning. We’re rapidly losing all sense of reason.”
Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, said that “Keir Starmer and his clique have shown they’re prepared to lose Gorton and Denton to Reform - just to protect narrow factional interests”.
He accused Sir Keir of “weak leadership” that “will only deepen the crisis the party is in”. He called for “an emergency NEC meeting to resolve this mess”.
Jon Trickett MP reacted saying: “Strong leaders don’t hide from talent, they make common cause.”
However Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, David Taylor, thanked the NEC for “this quick decision, which avoids an additional - and even more unnecessary - by-election”.
He said the Manchester mayoral election would have “wasted both taxpayer’s money (£4m), and our own Party’s funds.”
Sir Keir tweets about Burns Night minutes after blocking Burnham
13:46 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer has wished everyone a Happy Burns Night minutes after blocking mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
To those in Scotland, and around the world, celebrating over a Burns Supper, I wish you a very Happy Burns Night.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 25, 2026
Analysis: Shabana Mahmood abstained – a move that could be key for her own leadership ambitions
13:36 , Holly BancroftThe home secretary abstained in the vote on Andy Burnham, despite being in the room, a move that turn could out to be crucial to her own chances of becoming Labour leader, writes Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.
Sources say her vote was customary as the chair of the meeting. And with the final result 8-1, her vote was not required. But in the end not voting could prove very consequential indeed.
Ms Mahmood will need the support first of Labour MPs and then Labour members were she to mount her own challenge for the top job some day. And being able to say she did not vote to block Mr Burnham could come in very handy indeed.
'Keir Starmer is weak': MPs react to news that Andy Burnham blocked from by-election bid
13:25 , Holly BancroftShadow home secretary Chris Philp has said that the move to block Andy Burnham from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election made Sir Keir Starmer look powerless.
He said: “Keir Starmer is so weak and scared he won’t even allow Andy Burnham to run for parliament.
“Starmer is scared Burnham would replace him, so has used his control of the NEC to block him. To be fair, Burnham could hardly be worse”.
Labour MP Nadia Whittome wrote: “In the most unsurprising turn of events, some Labour right apparatchiks care more about settling personal scores than winning elections after all.
“Even if it means risking gifting Reform another seat in Parliament. They’re destroying the only electoral vehicle currently capable of stopping a proto-fascist government in 2029. Faction before party before country”.
However Labour MP John Slinger reacted saying: “The quick and clear decision of Labour’s NEC means we can move on from the damaging, introspection and psychodrama of the last week.
“We need to pull together behind whoever is selected in the by-election. As a united team we can beat Reform and then focus on vital elections in May”.
John McDonnell says vote to block Andy Burnham is 'disgusting decision'
13:14 , Holly BancroftFormer shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, has said that Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to block Andy Burnham from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election is “disgusting”.
A sub-committee of the National Executive Committee voted on Mr Burnham’s bid this morning. The committee, which includes Sir Keir and is chaired by home secretary Shabana Mahmood, voted against Mr Burnham by 8-1.
Ms Mahmood reportedly abstained from voting due to her role as chair, and deputy leader of the Labour Party Lucy Powell voted in favour of Mr Burnham.
Mr McDonnell reacted to the news, saying: “Message to Keir: Do not underestimate the depth of anger people will feel about this disgusting decision. If you think it strengthens you I tell you it will simply hasten your demise.
“You could have shown magnanimous leadership but instead it’s cowardice.”
Labour says it wanted to avoid Manchester mayoral election in statement explaining why Burnham was blocked
13:01 , Holly BancroftLabour has confirmed that its National Executive Committee has blocked Andy Burnham from standing in Gorton and Denton, saying it wanted to avoid “an unnecessary by-election” for the Greater Manchester mayoralty.
In a statement, the party said: “Directly-elected mayors and police and crime commissioners must seek the express permission of Labour’s ruling body, the National Executive Committee, before seeking nomination as a Labour candidate for the Westminster Parliament in accordance with Chapter 5, Clause IV, 2 of the Labour Party Rule Book.
“This rule was put in place to avoid the party incurring unnecessary costs of running two simultaneous political campaigns.
“Yesterday Andy Burnham sought such permission from the NEC to stand in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election, which would have led to a mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester.
“The NEC has decided not to grant Andy Burnham permission to stand.
“The NEC believes that causing an unnecessary election for the position of Greater Manchester mayor would have a substantial and disproportionate impact on party campaign resources before the local elections and elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd in May.
“Although the party would be confident of retaining the mayoralty, the NEC could not put Labour’s control of Greater Manchester at any risk.
“Andy Burnham is doing a great job as mayor of Greater Manchester. We believe it is in the best interests of the party to avoid an unnecessary mayoral election which would use substantial amounts of taxpayers’ money and resources that are better spent tackling the cost of living crisis.
“We look forward to fighting and winning the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton and the positive campaign ahead which will be firmly focused on tackling the cost of living and bringing investment to the local area.”
Burnham’s fate was sealed in just one hour - and Keir Starmer voted against him
12:44 , Holly BancroftThe meeting of Labour’s powerful ruling body which blocked Andy Burnham from standing to become an MP again lasted only around an hour, writes Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.
The vote was 8-1 against Mr Burnham, with only his long time ally Lucy Powell, the party’s deputy leader supporting him, and home secretary Shabana Mahmood abstaining, as is customary for the chair. Sir Keir Starmer voted against.
The Independent understands that concerns expressed during the meeting were around a costly election to replace him in his mayoralty position, which would allow Reform UK to run a 'toxic and divisive' campaign in Greater Manchester. But given that Mr Burnham has long been seen as one of Sir Keir's main leadership rivals, Labour will face accusations of a stitch up designed to protect the PM.
Dame Diane Abbott warns that barring Burnham 'weakens Sir Keir'
12:34 , Holly BancroftDame Diane Abbott, independent MP for Hackney North, has said that the move to block Andy Burnham from the Gorton and Denton by-election “weakens Sir Keir Starmer’s position”.
Speaking to Times Radio, she said that the vote shows “that he thinks he is weak”. She warned that if the results from the May elections are bad for Labour then “a challenger will emerge from somewhere and Starmer will be in a very difficult position”.
How have people reacted so far to news Burnham has been blocked?
12:28 , Holly BancroftIndependent MP Rosie Duffield, who left the Labour party in 2024, has reacted to news that Andy Burnham has been blocked from running to be an MP, saying it “highlights how loathed and weak Sir Keir is”.
She said it was “end days for this administration now”, adding: “Of course Starmer loyalists have blocked Andy Burnham. He’s popular and an effective leader”.
Former leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, said the move was an “absolutely terrible decision - fundamentally anti-democratic and a sign of utter weakness”, adding: “It will come back to bite them”.
Andrea Egan, general secretary of UNISON, said: “I know many, many trade unionists will be so disappointed and angry at local members not being given a say over who their candidate should be.
“This isn’t the way any democratic organisation should be run. Now’s the time to unite our movement not divide it”.
Analysis: Burnham blocked – and Starmer left looking weaker
12:16 , Holly BancroftAllies of Starmer have risked short-term gain over long-term pain, writes Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.
Andy Burnham has been blocked from standing to become an MP in the upcoming by-election, a move that could have paved a way for him to mount a leadership challenge against the prime minister.
But the result has been to leave the Labour leader looking weaker.
On Saturday senior Labour figures, including Cabinet minister Ed Miliband and London mayor Sadiq Khan said local party members should have the option of whether or not they choose Mr Burnham.
Mr Burnham had to ask permission to stand because as a metro mayor his election could trigger another, costly, election for Labour, just as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK senses blood. But the result will lead to accusations of a stitch up designed to protect a struggling, and weak, PM.
Breaking: Andy Burnham blocked from running in Gorton and Denton by election
12:05 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer and his allies have blocked Andy Burnham from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
It has been reported that the vote was 8-1 against Mr Burnham, with Labour deputy chair Lucy Powell voting in favour and the chair Shabana Mahmood abstaining as is the convention.
Analysis: Shabana Mahmood walks a tightrope on her own ambitions
12:02 , Holly BancroftAndy Burnham’s leadership ambitions are not the only ones at stake today, writes Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.
The decision over whether or not to let Mr Burnham stand will affect others hoping to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
Not least of those is the home secretary Shabana Mahmood, who was interviewed by Sir Tony Blair last year in a moment seen as the ex-PM endorsing her.
She is in a difficult position. They are on opposing wings of the party, although she praised him today as an “exceptional politician”.
But even though she is just one vote of 10 making today’s decision, any claims of a stitch-up risk affecting her popularity in the eyes of Labour MPs and members, who might ultimately decide who succeeds Sir Keir.
Watch: NEC members call for pause in Burnham by-election decision over stitch-up fears
11:43 , Holly BancroftUK already in 'cold war-type scenario', Lib Dem leader says
11:31 , Holly BancroftSir Ed Davey has said the UK is in a "cold war-type scenario" and called on the government to issue war bonds to increase funds available for defence spending to reduce reliance on an "unreliable" ally.
Asked whether he thinks the country is at war, Sir Ed told BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: "I think we're in almost a cold war-type scenario, aren't we? We've seen a lot of evidence of Russia using drones, using submarines, shadow fleets and so on.
"But this is a serious threat, and we need to move far faster than what the government has been doing.
"My fear, particularly with the approach of Donald Trump, is that what we have understood for over 75 years, that the Nato alliance would hold together, there has to be a question, I regret to say, deeply regret to say, that because of Donald Trump, there has to be a question about whether we can rely on the United States.
"With him in the White House, they're no longer a reliable ally, we have to step up and fast."
The powerful Labour group who will decide Burnham’s fate
11:12 , Holly BancroftTen members of a powerful sub-committee of Labour's governing National Executive Committee will meet today to decide whether to give Andy Burnham permission to stand in the by-election, writes Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin.
The step is part of the party’s rules because of his current day job. Another election to replace him as the mayor of Greater Manchester risks costing the party hundreds of thousands of pounds, alongside the risk they could lose it to Reform.
The ten members of the group include Keir Starmer himself, who last year suggested Mr Burnham’s economic stance could lead him to become Labour’s Liz Truss. There is also Shabana Mahmood, who chairs the committee.
She called Mr Burnham an “exceptional politician” today, but they are on separate wings of the party and he could represent a threat to her own leadership ambitions. Also at the meeting will be Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, and a Manchester MP known to be close to Mr Burnham.
As the sister of Starmer’s chancellor Rachel Reeves, Ellie Reeves, the solicitor general, is viewed as loyal to the current leadership, while Gurinder Singh Josan, a backbencher, is seen as a centrist and not part of the soft-left of the party supporting Burnham.
Making up the ten, for what Ms Mahmood said would be a "finely balanced" judgement are representatives from two large trade union, the GMB and USDAW, as well a Labour councillor, the party’s treasurer and a Constituency Labour Party representative.
Lid Dem leader Sir Ed Davey relieved Donald Trump 'backed down' from Afghanistan comments
10:52 , Holly BancroftLiberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said he is relieved Donald Trump "backed down" on his suggestion Nato troops stayed "a little off" the front lines in Afghanistan, and is grateful the King wrote to the president to express concern.
Sir Ed told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "It was quite appalling for Donald trump to make those comments, so I am relieved he's backed down, and grateful to the King for his intervention.
"But it doesn't change my view on Donald Trump, and it doesn't change my view that this government's approach to Donald Trump is not the right one."
