Andy Burnham's bid to return as MP blocked by Labour's NEC

Sunday, 25 January 2026 12:15

By Adam Clark

The Labour Party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) has blocked Andy Burnham from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

As a directly elected mayor, Burnham needed permission from the NEC to run as Labour's candidate for the Westminster seat.

It's understood that eight members of the NEC sub-committee blocked him with one in favour. Reportedly, Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell voted in favour.

There had been concerns about the cost of running a new election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty if Burnham became an MP.

The NEC said that while it was confident Labour would retain the mayoralty, it could not justify any risk to the party’s control of Greater Manchester at a time of intense electoral pressure elsewhere.

The statement also praised Mr Burnham’s record in office, describing him as doing a great job as mayor. It added that avoiding a mayoral by election would prevent the use of significant public money and resources that the party said would be better directed towards addressing the cost of living.

Labour confirmed it will now focus on contesting the Gorton and Denton by-election, saying the campaign would centre on living costs and securing investment for the area.

MP for Leeds East, Richard Burgon, has called the decision "weak leadership"

Keir Starmer and his clique have shown they’re prepared to lose Gorton and Denton to Reform - just to protect narrow factional interests.

It's weak leadership - and will only deepen the crisis the party is in.

There should now be an emergency NEC meeting to resolve this mess.
— Richard Burgon MP (@RichardBurgon) January 25, 2026

It comes after former minister Andrew Gwynne formally stepped down on Friday on health grounds.

Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, announced on Saturday, just before a 5pm deadline, that he wanted to stand in a by-election to replace Gwynne in parliament.

A selection panel will choose a longlist of possible Labour candidates for the Gorton and Denton by-election on Monday.

Shortlisting interviews will be held on Tuesday before a hustings and selection next Saturday.

Andy Burnham has not yet publicly responded to the NEC decision.