Published 15 hours ago • loading... • Updated 8 hours ago

PM defends Burnham block saying it will allow focus on elections 'we must win'

On Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the Labour National Executive Committee's decision to block Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, saying Burnham is doing a `great job` but running would `divert our resources` from May elections.
On Sunday, a 10-strong group from Labour's NEC voted against Mr Burnham, with the NEC recording an eight-to-one vote and Shabana Mahmood abstaining, after Andrew Gwynne agreed to stand down.
Citing costs and electoral risk, the NEC argued the mayoral by-election and potential loss of the Greater Manchester mayoralty justified denying Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, permission to run.
On Monday, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said he was disappointed and would return with full focus to his mayoral job, while Labour backbenchers urged the NEC to reverse its ruling.
Starmer framed the contest as Labour v Reform and argued Labour must concentrate resources on the run-up to May's local and devolved elections, saying `We need all of our focus on those elections`.

Insights by Ground AI

30 Articles

Labour Wars: Burned Not Consumed

Welcome back to Labour Wars – the inside column on the battle at the top of the party of government. Exclusively for Guido members… What did Keir Starmer really say about Andy Burnham yesterday? What do Labour insiders think is Burnham’s next move? And is Starmer any safer after dropping the guillotine on the King of the North? Guido…

8 hours ago

Read Full Article

NRC Handelsblad

Lean Left

British Prime Minister Starmer Puts a Spanner in the Works for His Potential Successor – and Now Has to Pay the Price

Labour: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has blocked one of his rivals' path to the House of Commons. The party is deeply divided over his…

10 hours ago·Netherlands

Read Full Article

Liverpool Echo

Center

Keir Starmer defends Labour move to block Andy Burnham

The Prime Minister faced questions about the move

10 hours ago·Liverpool, United Kingdom

Read Full Article

Frankfurter Allgemeine

Lean Right

Andy Burnham: Starmer's Problem with the "King of the North"

The Labour leadership justified the veto against Manchester's mayor's candidacy. Successful regional politicians continue to have difficulties in Britain.

11 hours ago·Frankfurt, Germany

Read Full Article