Andy Burnham latest: Starmer says mayor doing ‘great job’ as Labour rebels accuse him of by-election ‘stitch-up’
Starmer defends move to block Andy Burnham from running in by-election
- Sir Keir Starmer stated that Andy Burnham is doing a 'great job' as Greater Manchester mayor.
- Starmer explained that allowing Burnham to run for a Westminster seat would 'divert our resources' from Labour's campaigns in the upcoming May elections.
- Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC), including Starmer, voted to deny Burnham permission to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
- Starmer highlighted the importance of focusing all resources on existing crucial elections across England, Wales, and Scotland.
- The decision was based on the need to avoid unnecessary elections that would draw focus and resources away from essential campaigns.