Andy Burnham has signalled a potential return to Westminster after confirming he has asked Labour’s ruling body for permission to stand in an upcoming by-election.
The Greater Manchester mayor announced the move on X, writing: “I have today written to the Chair of Labour’s National Executive Committee seeking permission to enter the selection process for a candidate for the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.”
The vacancy follows the formal resignation of former minister Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down on Friday, citing health reasons.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Donald Trump Praises British Troops After Nato Afghanistan Comments Spark Backlash
As a directly elected mayor, Mr Burnham cannot automatically seek selection as a Labour parliamentary candidate. He must first secure approval from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
In the letter shared publicly, he described the decision as “difficult” but stressed he would back the government’s agenda rather than challenge it, adding that he had “passed on this assurance to the Prime Minister”.
I have today written to the Chair of Labour’s National Executive Committee seeking permission to enter the selection process for a candidate for the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
Read my letter here.👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/TwKgADsuSB
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 24, 2026
Andy Burnham by-election bid raises high-stakes political questions
Explaining his reasoning, Mr Burnham said he believed there was now “a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other”.
He added: “I see this by-election as the front line of that fight for the Manchester way and I feel I owe it to a city which has given me so much to lead it from the front, despite the risks involved.”
Should he win the seat, Mr Burnham would be legally required to step down as Greater Manchester mayor, triggering a separate by-election for the mayoralty. A return to the Commons could also place him in a position to mount a future leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
Labour NEC decision and tight Gorton and Denton timetable
Despite growing support, the NEC retains the power to block Mr Burnham from entering the selection process. Reports suggest allies of Sir Keir are mobilising to prevent his candidacy. However, several senior Labour figures have argued that the final decision should rest locally.
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell has said the choice should be left to party members in the constituency. London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan echoed that view, saying: “I think if Andy Burnham wants to be a member of Parliament, Andy Burnham should be allowed to be a member of Parliament.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband also voiced support, describing Mr Burnham as “a massive asset” to Parliament and expressing hope that Gorton and Denton members would at least have “the option” of selecting him.
The selection process is moving at speed. Applications close at midnight on Sunday, with a longlist due to be drawn up on Monday. Shortlisting interviews will take place on Tuesday, followed by hustings and a final selection next Saturday.
Mr Burnham previously stood unsuccessfully in Labour leadership contests, losing to Ed Miliband in 2010 and Jeremy Corbyn in 2015.
For More, Follow SurgeZirc UK On Facebook, X, Instagram, and Bluesky
