PREVIEW

Labour Blocks Andy Burnham’s Bid To Return To Parliament Amid Starmer Tensions. Andy Burnham was blocked from standing for parliament after Labour Party officials rejected his bid to replace a resigning MP, triggering accusations of internal power plays. Senior figures on Labour’s left portrayed the decision as an effort by Keir Starmer and his allies to sideline a potential leadership challenger ahead of difficult elections. Burnham, the elected mayor of Greater Manchester, sought nomination after a lawmaker stepped down last week, a move that could have allowed him to regain a parliamentary platform. Labour’s National Executive Committee voted 8–1 against granting permission, with Starmer among those opposing the bid, effectively blocking Burnham from any future leadership challenge that requires MP status. Party officials argued the move avoided the cost and disruption of a mayoral by-election, insisting Burnham should continue his work in Manchester. Burnham expressed disappointment, warning the handling of the decision risked damaging party unity as Labour struggles in polls against Reform UK ahead of key local elections. Market jitters briefly followed the MP’s resignation, as investors speculated Burnham’s return could shift Labour toward looser fiscal policy and destabilize Starmer’s leadership. Left-wing MP John McDonnell condemned the move publicly, accusing the leadership of cowardice and deepening divisions within a party already under pressure.
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