A dispute over alleged briefings has escalated within the Labour party as it prepares for the February 26th byelection in Gorton and Denton. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, has publicly accused Downing Street sources of dishonesty regarding discussions about his potential candidacy.
Internal Divisions Surface
The conflict began after suggestions from allies of Keir Starmer indicated that Burnham had been informed his application to stand in the byelection would be rejected. Burnham responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) from ITV’s Robert Peston, stating this claim was “simply untrue.” Peston subsequently reported a second source corroborated Burnham’s account, and that Burnham requested an urgent call with No 10 to address the briefing.
A spokesperson for No 10 denied that anyone connected to Starmer had discouraged Burnham from applying to the National Executive Committee (NEC) or attempted to influence their decision. Burnham later stated he had discussed the “pros and cons” of his candidacy with senior party figures over the weekend but received no indication his application would be blocked, questioning how such a determination could be made by those not on the independent NEC.
Calls for Unity
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, was the sole NEC member to support Burnham’s candidacy, which was ultimately blocked on Sunday. Powell has urged an end to the internal briefings, stating, “We’re one Labour team here…we all have to work as one team.” She is now urging constituents in Gorton and Denton, in a letter arriving Wednesday, to reject protest votes and focus on a Labour versus Reform UK contest.
Approximately 50 Labour MPs have voiced their opposition to the decision to bar Burnham from running, arguing it provides an advantage to Reform UK. Polling data released Tuesday indicates 30% of Britons believe Burnham would perform better as Prime Minister than Starmer, while 12% believe he would perform worse.
The Broader By-Election Picture
The Reform UK party has nominated Matthew Goodwin, a candidate who has previously made controversial statements about British identity, to contest the seat. Reform UK faced early criticism after an MP, Lee Anderson, mistakenly campaigned in the neighboring constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne.
The Labour party is currently interviewing candidates, with a selection expected on Saturday. Bev Craig, the Labour leader of Manchester city council, has ruled herself out, while Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury council, has reportedly applied. The Green party is also preparing to compete, arguing they have a strengthened chance of success following Burnham’s disqualification, and Hannah Spencer, leader of the Green group on Trafford council, is a potential candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the current dispute within the Labour party?
The dispute was prompted by suggestions from allies of Keir Starmer that Andy Burnham had been told his application to stand in the Gorton and Denton byelection would be rejected, a claim Burnham publicly refuted.
Who has been selected as the Reform UK candidate for the byelection?
Matthew Goodwin, a hard-right activist who has previously claimed that UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British, has been selected as the Reform UK candidate.
What is Lucy Powell’s position on the internal conflict?
Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, has urged an end to the internal briefings, stating the party needs to present a united front and focus on winning the election.
Given the internal divisions and the emergence of candidates from multiple parties, what impact might this have on the outcome of the Gorton and Denton byelection?
Worth a look