Labour NEC Blocks Andy Burnham From Gorton and Denton By-Election

The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has taken procedural action to block Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, from standing as its candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. This decision has shaped the field for the by-election, which is scheduled for late February 2026.

Andy Burnham submitted an application to the Labour NEC seeking permission to represent the party in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary contest. The NEC sub-group, consisting of ten members, reviewed his application as part of their candidate selection process for the by-election.

During the NEC sub-group meeting, eight members voted against Burnham’s candidacy, with only Deputy Leader Lucy Powell supporting his application. The chair of the NEC, Shabana Mahmood, abstained from the vote. This outcome removed Burnham from consideration as Labour’s candidate for the seat.

The by-election for the Gorton and Denton constituency has been officially scheduled to take place on 26 February 2026. The process to select candidates from other parties is ongoing as the campaign period begins.

What the numbers show

• 10 NEC sub-group members participated in the vote
• 8 members voted to block Burnham’s candidacy
• 1 member supported Burnham, 1 abstained
• The by-election date is 26 February 2026

The Green Party has initiated a campaign for the Gorton and Denton by-election, naming Trafford councillor Hannah Spencer as its likely candidate. The party has allocated substantial resources to support its campaign in the constituency.

Reform UK has announced its intention to take part in the by-election and is regarded as a prominent participant in the race. The party is preparing its campaign efforts as the contest approaches.

With Labour’s candidate selection process concluded and other parties confirming their participation, the by-election is set to feature multiple contenders. The outcome will be determined by voters in the Gorton and Denton area on the scheduled date.

The developments in the candidate selection process and the entry of several parties have established the framework for the by-election campaign. The focus now shifts to the candidates’ campaigns and the electorate’s decision on 26 February 2026.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.