Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said he is disappointed by Labour’s decision to block him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by election and has questioned how the party is being run.
The Labour Party’s national executive committee has refused permission for Andy Burnham to stand as the party’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by election, despite his request to return to Parliament.
As a directly elected mayor, Mr Burnham required approval from the NEC to contest the Westminster seat. It is understood that eight members of the NEC voted against his candidacy, with one in favour. Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell is reported to have supported his bid.
The decision followed concerns within the party about the cost and disruption of a Greater Manchester mayoral by election if Mr Burnham were to be elected as an MP.
Labour said it was confident of retaining the mayoralty but could not justify any risk to its control of Greater Manchester during a period of significant electoral pressure elsewhere. The party also said avoiding a mayoral by election would prevent the use of substantial public funds, which it said would be better directed towards tackling the cost of living.
Despite the decision, Labour praised Mr Burnham’s record as mayor, describing him as doing a great job in the role. The party said it would now focus fully on contesting the Gorton and Denton by election, with a campaign centred on living costs and securing investment for the area.
In a public statement issued after the decision, Mr Burnham said he was disappointed and concerned about the impact it could have on upcoming elections.
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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He said he would give his full support to whoever is selected as Labour’s candidate and to party members in Manchester and Tameside, adding that he would return his full focus to his role as mayor of Greater Manchester.
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. 💪🏻
Mr Burnham said he had put himself forward to prevent what he described as divisive politics from damaging the city region and said unity was essential.
He also criticised the way the decision was handled, saying the media was informed of the NEC ruling before he was, and suggested this reflected wider issues within the Labour Party. He added that after more than 30 years of service, he felt that his contribution had not been recognised.
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. 🤷🏻♂️
The by election follows the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, who formally stepped down on health grounds last week.
Mr Burnham announced his intention to stand shortly before a 5pm deadline on Saturday.
A Labour selection panel is due to choose a longlist of candidates on Monday, with interviews on Tuesday ahead of a hustings and final selection next Saturday.
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