London, United Kingdom. Britain’s governing Labour Party said it has approved Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to seek election to parliament via a by-election, a step towards a possible challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. The development follows Labour’s heavy losses in local elections last week and a rise in Britain’s borrowing costs on Friday.
Permission to enter by-election selection process
On Thursday, a lawmaker gave up his seat so Burnham could seek election to parliament, which is necessary if he is to challenge Starmer for Labour Party leadership and thus replace him as prime minister. Burnham had sought permission from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand in the by-election.
A party spokesperson said the NEC had “today given permission to Andy Burnham to stand in the candidate selection process in the forthcoming by-election for the Makerfield constituency”.
Leadership speculation and party tensions
Burnham has said he wants to “change Labour for the better” but has not explicitly said he will challenge Starmer. The prospect of a challenge from Burnham has deepened a crisis for Starmer after the party’s local election losses.
Dozens of lawmakers who this week urged Starmer to set out a timetable for resignation favour Burnham as his successor, according to the report.
Prior block and next steps
Earlier this year, the NEC blocked Burnham from running for a different seat in Greater Manchester, a move criticised by the left of the party as an attempt by Starmer and his allies to block a rival.
Friday’s decision means Burnham will not be blocked again in a similar manner by Labour, though he has not yet been formally confirmed as the party’s candidate.
Electoral outlook
The by-election is expected to be closely contested with Nigel Farage’s populist right-wing Reform UK.
What do you think Burnham’s entry into the by-election selection process could mean for Labour’s leadership contest?