How a single call sealed Andy Burnham’s fate:
It must have felt somewhat beneath Keir Starmer to dial into a Microsoft Teams call at 11am on 25 January – a ...
newstatesman.com/the-politics-column/2026/01/how-a-single-call-sealed-andy-burnhams-fate
Photo: newstatesman.com · view article
Starmer Blocks Burnham in Crucial Labour VoteOn January 25, Starmer led an 8-1 NEC vote to prevent Burnham's candidacy, intensifying party discord ahead of May elections.
Key FactsJan 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newstatesman.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newstatesman.com
- Keir Starmer personally chaired a Labour NEC meeting via Microsoft Teams to block Andy Burnham’s attempt to stand in a by-election.
- Despite Burnham’s previous mayoral win with nearly two-thirds of votes, the committee voted overwhelmingly against his candidacy.
- This move heightened internal party tensions and increased speculation about an imminent leadership challenge against Starmer.
- Angela Rayner remains a possible contender but is currently sidelined due to unresolved tax matters, as Starmer focuses on strengthening ties with China.
It’s not binary. We are a small but powerful trading nation trying to improve our relationships with the EU and the US, while opening up to China and finding pools of money in the Gulf states.— A Downing Street insider put this to me recently.
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News on this topic
Burnham can be a Labour MP again but not yet, Starmer hints
independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/andy-burnham-keir-starmer-labour-election-b2909305.html
'That's a matter for Andy': Starmer declines to welcome Burnham back to parliament
itv.com/news/2026-01-28/thats-a-matter-for-andy-starmer-declines-to-welcome-burnham-to-parliament
Labour ad van for Gorton and Denton by-election launched as Lucy Powell and Bev Craig defend Andy Burnham
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/labour-ad-van-gorton-denton-33321052
More articles on this subject
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BBC Jan 29
Labour blocking my bid to be MP was hard to take, says Burnham: The Greater Manchester mayor said he would be campaigning in support of Labour in Gorton and ...
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1klyz4rg80o
Zack Polanski: Greens to use anger over Gaza to win Gorton & Denton: Green leader to raise his party’s position on the conflict to win Muslim votes in the ...
thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/reform-uk-labour-by-election-starmer-warning-sjwbwjmlv
Paid articlePaywall
Fifty Labour MPs sign letter objecting to Andy Burnham decision: Labour's ruling National Executive Committee blocked the Greater Manchester mayor from standing ...
bbc.com/news/articles/ce3e53e34klo
'We feel betrayed': How Reform could capture a socialist heartland: Labour could be set to pay the price for local anger in Gorton and Denton at the behaviour of ...
inews.co.uk/news/id-vote-labourhate-starmer-reform-capture-socialist-heartland-4193937
Ex-minister Suella Braverman becomes latest high-profile Tory to defect to Reform
inews.co.uk/news/politics/starmer-under-pressure-as-burnham-bids-to-return-as-mp-4193064
BBC Jan 27
Fifty Labour MPs sign letter objecting to Andy Burnham decision
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3e53e34klo
Farage: Reform 'in with serious shout' in Gorton and Denton by-election with Burnham not running
itv.com/news/granada/2026-01-26/nigel-farage-thinks-burnham-not-standing-in-gorton-and-denton-a-boost-for-reform
Andy Burnham can become a Labour MP – but not until 2028, Starmer suggests: Greater Manchester mayor, who the prime minister blocked from standing in the Gorton ...
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-burnham-keir-starmer-labour-election-b2909249.html
Labour civil war: 50 Labour MPs sign letter objecting to blocking Andy Burnham from by-election
standard.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-labour-mps-letter-keir-starmer-gorton-and-denton-reform-b1268277.html
Five councillors named on Labour's Gorton and Denton by-election long list including top mayoral official
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/five-councillors-named-labours-gorton-33311431
Andy Burnham gives four-word response to report he knew bid to become MP would be blocked
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-gives-four-word-33311563
OpinionWhy Keir Starmer's blunder over Andy Burnham makes his downfall more likely: Many Labour politicians may conclude that Keir Starmer has put his own survival as ...
scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/why-keir-starmers-blunder-over-andy-burnham-makes-his-downfall-more-likely-5490778
How a single call sealed Andy Burnham’s fate: It must have felt somewhat beneath Keir Starmer to dial into a Microsoft Teams call at 11am on 25 January – a ...
newstatesman.com/the-politics-column/2026/01/how-a-single-call-sealed-andy-burnhams-fate
Andy Burnham says claim he was knew MP bid would be blocked 'doesn't stack up': The Greater Manchester Mayor has denied he was told he would be prevented from ...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-says-claim-knew-33313144
Labour was right to block Andy Burnham: Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) did something unfashionable this week. It chose not to feed the drama ...
newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/01/labour-was-right-to-block-andy-burnham
OpinionStarmer likes total control. Burnham never stood a chance: A DEMOCRATIC Labour Party or an autocratic leader? There’s no debate from me.
heraldscotland.com/opinion/25797651.starmer-likes-total-control-burnham-never-stood-chance/
'The PLP are p***ed': Labour infighting poses new threat to Starmer: Labour MPs warn the Prime Minister will now 'own' the result of the Gorton and ...
inews.co.uk/news/politics/plp-are-pissed-labour-infighting-threat-starmer-4194070
Blocking Andy Burnham makes Keir Starmer look 'weak and insecure', says Scots MP: Brian Leishman said Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) should meet ...
scotsman.com/news/politics/blocking-andy-burnham-makes-keir-starmer-look-weak-and-insecure-says-scots-mp-5490554
.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=1200&auto=webp&quality=75)
Labour's rallying cry amid Andy Burnham fall out as by-election candidates set to be announced
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/labour-issues-rallying-cry-after-33306677
Keir Starmer Andy Burnham statement in full as Labour anger grows: Some see Manchester Mayor Burnham as the only Labour politician who can rival Starmer for ...
chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/keir-starmer-andy-burnham-statement-33302003
Starmer facing growing Labour rebellion as ‘fifty MPs sign letter’ objecting to Andy Burnham decision
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-burnham-keir-starmer-labour-gorton-denton-b2908269.html
Downing Street releases statement on Andy Burnham by-election bid claims: They have addressed the latest reports about his failed bid to be Labour's candidate in ...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/downing-street-releases-statement-andy-33313849
'Done and dusted': Government stand firm over Andy Burnham block despite 50 Labour MPs objecting
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/done-dusted-government-stand-firm-33308424
Andy Burnham blocked from standing as an MP by Starmer allies: The Manchester mayor announced his bid to become a Labour MP
inews.co.uk/news/politics/starmer-under-pressure-as-burnham-bids-to-return-as-mp-4193064
OpinionLabour has created a headache for itself by blocking Andy Burnham: The Labour Party has created a headache for itself by blocking Andy Burnham from standing in ...
yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/columnists/labour-has-created-a-headache-for-itself-by-blocking-andy-burnham-5488916
OpinionThe Burnham fiasco shows that the right of the Labour party would rather see it burn than lose control
theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/27/burnham-fiasco-right-labour-party-starmer
Andy Burnham’s next steps laid out as he will appear before four committees in wake of by-election block
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnhams-next-steps-laid-33305865
50 MPs sign letter against Labour's decision to block Andy Burnham from Westminster by-election
scotsman.com/news/politics/50-mps-sign-letter-against-labours-decision-to-block-andy-burnham-from-westminster-by-election-5491115
‘Psychodrama’ threat to Labour led party chiefs to block Andy Burnham Commons comeback, says minister
standard.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-andy-burnham-byelection-labour-block-revolt-mps-b1268115.html
Nigel Farage says Reform have 'serious shout' of winning by-election after Andy Burnham blocking
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/farage-says-reform-have-serious-33304005
Starmer speaks out for first time since blocking Burnham by-election bid: Sir Keir Starmer has said Andy Burnham is doing a 'great job as the mayor of ...
metro.co.uk/2026/01/26/starmer-speaks-first-time-since-blocking-burnham-by-election-bid-26528749/
Burnham accuses No 10 sources of lying about byelection decision: Manchester mayor suggests claims he was told Labour would not give him permission to stand were ...
theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/27/burnham-accuses-no-10-sources-lying-byelection-decision-labour
"What I said is what I mean": Andy Burnham issues defence of Gorton and Denton by-election decision in first interview after being blocked
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/what-said-what-mean-andy-33324250
Andy Burnham says he's 'concerned' over Labour's decision to bar him from by-election
metro.co.uk/2026/01/25/andy-burnhams-bid-become-mp-blocked-labour-ruling-committee-26508206/
Andy Burnham blocked from standing as MP by Labour ruling body: The Old Roan-born former health secretary had planned to run for a return to parliament in Gorton ...
liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/andy-burnham-blocked-standing-mp-33297983
Burnham could be blocked from standing as MP by all-women shortlist, says Mahmood
inews.co.uk/news/politics/starmer-under-pressure-as-burnham-bids-to-return-as-mp-4193064
Andy Burnham issues message to MPs as Gorton and Denton fall-out continues: The mayor remained tight-lipped for most of the morning on the by-election ...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-issues-message-mps-33302324
OpinionSir Keir Starmer may have just undermined the unity of his Government by blocking Andy Burnham - Jayne Dowle
yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/columnists/sir-keir-starmer-may-have-just-undermined-the-unity-of-his-government-by-blocking-andy-burnham-jayne-dowle-5487440
Andy Burnham's bid to become MP blocked by Labour ruling committee: Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has been blocked from running in an upcoming ...
metro.co.uk/2026/01/25/andy-burnhams-bid-become-mp-blocked-labour-ruling-committee-26508206/
Labour denies Andy Burnham claim as backlash mounts over Greater Manchester by-election block
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/labour-denies-andy-burnham-claim-33299770
Andy Burnham speaks out after bid to stand as MP blocked by Labour: Mr Burnham said he was "disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its ...
liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/andy-burnham-speaks-out-after-33299216
Andy Burnham speaks for first time since being blocked in bid to become MP: Burnham took to social media to issue a statement
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-speaks-first-time-33299224
OpinionHere’s the lesson of the Andy Burnham saga: Labour needs a new leader – fast : Keir Starmer’s dismal decision to block the Greater Manchester mayor has bought ...
theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/26/andy-burnham-labour-new-leader
Labour civil war erupts as Starmer allies block Andy Burnham comeback: Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell says decision 'will simply hasten your demise' in ...
standard.co.uk/news/uk/labour-civil-war-erupts-as-starmer-allies-block-andy-burnham-comeback-b1268049.html
Who are the NEC members who voted in Andy Burnham's by-election bid?: A 10-member NEC officers’ subgroup blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and ...
standard.co.uk/news/uk/nec-members-subgroup-how-vote-andy-burnham-b1268155.html
Andy Burnham latest: Starmer allies block Manchester mayor’s Westminster comeback bid
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-burnham-keir-starmer-labour-latest-updates-b2907161.html
Andy Burnham blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election: There had been a “very clear majority” against allowing Mr Burnham from applying for ...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/andy-burnham-blocked-standing-gorton-33297955
Stratford Observer Jan 25
Starmer Camp Moves to Shut Burnham Out of Parliament – NATIONAL NEWS: Andy Burnham has been dramatically blocked from returning to Westminster after Labour’s ...
stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/starmer-camp-moves-to-shut-burnham-out-of-parliament-national-news-60012/
OpinionStarmer must focus on Labour’s message to stop his party being ripped apart: Editorial: The backlash to the prime minister blocking Andy Burnham from trying to ...
independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/keir-starmer-andy-burnham-prime-minister-b2907268.html
Anas Sarwar dodges questions on Andy Burnham Westminster block: Anas Sarwar refused to answer questions on whether Labour's NEC was right to block Andy Burnham ...
heraldscotland.com/politics/westminster/25800890.anas-sarwar-dodges-questions-andy-burnham-westminster-block/
Andy Burnham hits back at 'simply untrue' claims over blocking of Westminster comeback
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-hits-back-simply-36625361
If not Burnham, who could defeat Starmer?: Without Andy Burnham, Labour is likely to lose the Gorton and Denton by-election. The NEC officers' decision to block ...
newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/01/if-not-burnham-who-could-defeat-starmer
Labour’s Burnham veto has made a tricky Manchester byelection much harder: Preventing the mayor from returning to Westminster deprives the party of its most ...
theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/26/labour-andy-burnham-veto-manchester-byelection
Labour on brink of civil war as party chiefs mull blocking Andy Burnham Commons comeback
standard.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-shabana-mahmood-national-executive-committee-labour-home-secretary-b1268042.html
Reactions as Andy Burnham blocked as Labour candidate: “Many, many” people will be angry at Labour blocking Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing ...
theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25796539.reactions-andy-burnham-blocked-labour-candidate/
OpinionLabour's surprise choice to take on Starmer: The party's National Executive Committee thwarted Andy Burnham’s ambitions to stand as an MP
inews.co.uk/opinion/labours-surprise-choice-to-take-on-starmer-4196908
Gorton and Denton voters tell of fury at Starmer’s block on Burnham: The Telegraph asks Gorton and Denton constituents who they want as their next MP ...
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/01/25/voters-anger-at-starmer-block-on-burnham/
OpinionLabour can reverse its decision to block Andy Burnham. Here is why it must: Good politics is about collaboration and contestation. The NEC’s ruling means the ...
theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/25/labour-reverse-decision-block-andy-burnham
Andy Burnham was born here - and everyone is angry at what's just happened: On the streets of Old Roan, where the Greater Manchester mayor started his life ...
liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/andy-burnham-born-here-everyone-33304210
Andy Burnham decision: Stroud MP and Keir Starmer speak out: The Stroud MP has criticised the Labour Party's decision to block Andy Burnham from running in ...
stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/25798315.andy-burnham-decision-stroud-mp-keir-starmer-speak/
Labour blocks Andy Burnham from Gorton and Denton by-election: NEC sources said there had been a “very clear majority” against allowing Mr Burnham to stand
scotsman.com/news/politics/labour-blocks-andy-burnham-from-gorton-and-denton-by-election-5488851
By-election machinations weaken Keir Starmer and could ultimately push Andy Burnham closer to No 10
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/election-machinations-weaken-keir-starmer-33298841
How a man from Merseyside won over Mancunians: 'You'd have to wrench me out of Manchester'
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-how-man-33296237
'Andy Burnham is the man to take on Nigel Farage - and here's why': Andy Burnham has been left disappointed after his bid to become MP was blocked ...
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/the-andy-burnham-know-one-36618364
Andy Burnham's greatest memorable moments as Greater Manchester mayor: Burnham has spent nearly nine years as Greater Manchester's mayor, a period of Manc ...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnhams-greatest-memorable-moments-33295467
Should Andy Burnham be allowed to stand as a Labour MP? Take our poll and have your say
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/should-andy-burnham-allowed-stand-36615657
Andy Burnham makes first public appearance since by-election drama: Andy Burnham dodged questions this morning (January 26) as he made his first public ...
theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25796070.andy-burnham-makes-first-public-appearance-since-by-election-drama/
Keir Starmer breaks silence on Andy Burnham decision as Labour anger grows: Keir Starmer said Andy Burnham is doing a "great job" as Greater Manchester mayor - ...
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-breaks-silence-andy-36614514
‘Crash & Burnham’: what the UK papers say as Labour blocks Andy Burnham’s byelection bid
theguardian.com/media/2026/jan/26/labour-blocks-andy-burnham-byelection-bid-papers
What voters in town think of Labour blocking Andy Burnham's MP return: Andy Burnham hoped to return to Westminster, but Labour's NEC ruled against allowing him ...
liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/what-voters-town-think-labour-33299424
bylinetimes.com Jan 26
What Keir Starmer Should Have Done With Andy Burnham: The PM's decision to block Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election risks handing ...
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/26/what-keir-starmer-should-have-done-with-andy-burnham/
What next for Andy Burnham after Keir Starmer defends blocking Westminster comeback
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/what-next-andy-burnham-after-36617903
Labour blocks Andy Burnham from standing in by-election: The Labour party's National Executive Committee has blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and ...
theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25794605.labour-blocks-andy-burnham-standing-by-election/
First picture of Andy Burnham as he returns to work as Greater Manchester Mayor: The mayor has returned to work today after he was blocked from standing as an MP ...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/first-picture-andy-burnham-returns-33300483
Andy Burnham blocked from standing in Westminster by-election amid rumours over Labour leadership bid
dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/andy-burnham-blocked-standing-westminster-36611105
Andy Burnham makes telling Leeds joke after Keir Starmer blocks Labour by-election run
mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/everton-leeds-burnham-starmer-labour-36619352
The Spectator Jan 25
The two winners from the Burnham block: Andy Burnham has been blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. The vote this morning by Labour’s ...
spectator.com/article/the-two-winners-from-the-burnham-block/
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Very unlikely Andy Burnham will call an early general election, says Professor Sir John Curtice
scotsman.com/news/politics/very-unlikely-andy-burnham-will-call-an-early-general-election-says-professor-sir-john-curtice-9280593
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Blair warns Burnham Labour should not do coalition with the Greens after ‘Zionism is racism’ vote: ‘They’ve crossed a line’
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/blair-burnham-green-coalition-zionism-racism-b3062648.html
‘I’m voting anti-Starmer’: Holborn and St Pancras divided as Polanski eyes former PM’s seat in crucial by-election
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/holborn-st-pancras-by-election-labour-greens-polanski-b3062297.html
Keir Starmer urged Bev Craig to stand in Gorton and Denton by-election after Andy Burnham was blocked
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/keir-starmer-urged-bev-craig-34273163
BBC Feb 28
Burnham would 'probably' have won by-election, Labour deputy leader says: Lucy Powell tells the BBC that Labour needs to make more use of the Greater Manchester ...
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cde46np2nklo
Key FactsLabour Faces Internal Strife After By-Election Loss
Feb 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: independent.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: independent.co.uk
- Deputy leader Lucy Powell urged integrating Andy Burnham more closely into the party’s leadership circle.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally prevented Burnham from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
- Burnham was widely believed to have likely secured a win, while Labour ended third with candidate Angeliki Stogia.
- A controversy involving Labour Together and PR firm APCO has further intensified internal party tensions.
Well, look, let's learn from Andy and also bring Andy more on board with what we're doing as well.— Lucy Powell, Labour deputy leader, said on the BBC's Newscast that the prime minister should learn from Andy Burnham and bring him more on board.
Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham have private meeting after Prime Minister visits Gorton and Denton
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/keir-starmer-andy-burnham-private-33477599
Gorton and Denton by-election LIVE as Burnham issues message on Starmer: The Gorton and Denton by-election is taking place on February 26
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/gorton-denton-election-live-keir-33393281
Starmer has accelerated leadership challenge by blocking Burnham, MPs warn: Labour Party has unveiled a relatively unknown candidate, Manchester city councillor ...
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/starmer-burnham-streeting-rayner-labour-b2909684.html
Nigel Farage says Reform by-election chances increased 'thousand-fold' by Burnham decision as he visits Greater Manchester
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/nigel-farage-reform-byelection-gorton-33332673
Gorton and Denton by-election is ‘straight fight’ between Labour and Reform, says Starmer
standard.co.uk/news/politics/andrew-gwynne-andy-burnham-keir-starmer-the-labour-party-zack-polanski-b1268463.html
Keir Starmer defends blocking Andy Burnham from by-election
bbc.co.uk/news/live/cr5z0rz893dt
Andy Burnham hits out at 'way the Labour Party is being run these days': It comes after Burnham has been blocked by the NEC from running as a Labour MP in the ...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/andy-burnham-hits-out-way-33299535
Explainer: Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?: The mayor of Greater Manchester has been seen as a potential rival to Sir Keir Starmer ...
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-burnham-blocked-labour-mp-why-explained-b2907245.html
Andy Burnham speaks in public for first time after Keir Starmer's by-election block
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-speaks-public-first-33301540
The Spectator Jan 24
Andy Burnham confirms he wants to stand for parliament: Andy Burnham has tonight confirmed that he wants to be a candidate in the forthcoming Gorton and Denton ...
spectator.com/article/andy-burnham-confirms-he-wants-to-stand-for-parliament/
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