Starmer’s allies launch ‘Stop Andy Burnham’ campaign to block parliamentary return

Andy Burnham was a Labour MP, serving in multiple cabinet roles, before becoming mayor of Greater Manchester. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

Keir Starmer’s allies have launched a “Stop Andy Burnham” campaign to prevent the Labour mayor from returning to parliament after the resignation of a Manchester MP triggered a byelection.

Multiple members of the party’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) predicted it would be impossible for Burnham to make it through the selection process given the number of Starmer loyalists on the body desperate to avoid a leadership challenge.