Labour NEC Decision on Burnham Candidacy Highlights Party Tensions

Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) recently voted to prevent Andy Burnham from standing as the party’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, drawing attention to internal party disagreements and candidate selection processes.

The NEC’s decision was based on concerns about the financial and logistical implications of a potential mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester, which would be required if Burnham resigned as mayor to run for Parliament. NEC members also pointed to ongoing internal party tensions as a factor in their vote.

Andy Burnham responded to the NEC’s action by expressing disappointment and highlighting possible effects on Labour’s performance in future elections. Some Labour MPs described the move as detrimental to the party’s chances in the upcoming by-election and suggested it could influence party leadership dynamics.

Trade unions, including Unison and TSSA, stated that the NEC’s decision undermined party unity and democratic processes. In addition, a campaign was reportedly organised by allies of Keir Starmer to prevent Burnham’s return to Parliament, reflecting further divisions within the party.

What the numbers show

• The NEC vote was 8-1 against Burnham's candidacy
• Labour won Gorton and Denton in 2024 with a 13,413 majority
• Reform UK and the Greens were close behind in the 2024 result

Senior Labour figures, including Sadiq Khan, Lucy Powell, and Angela Rayner, had previously supported allowing local party members to select the by-election candidate. The NEC is chaired by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who encouraged the party to avoid internal disputes over Burnham’s potential return to Westminster.

Some MPs stated that blocking Burnham’s candidacy could accelerate changes in party leadership. The NEC’s decision has therefore become a focal point for broader discussions about party direction and candidate selection authority.

Industry reaction

Trade unions such as Unison and TSSA criticised the NEC’s decision, stating it weakened party unity and democratic procedures. Their statements reflected concerns about the impact of the decision on Labour’s internal cohesion.

Some Labour MPs also stated that the move could harm the party’s prospects in the by-election and affect leadership stability, according to public statements following the NEC vote.

Labour’s recent performance in Gorton and Denton, where the party secured a substantial majority in 2024, is now under renewed scrutiny as the by-election approaches. The NEC’s decision and the reactions from various party groups illustrate ongoing debates within Labour about candidate selection and party governance.

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