Andy Burnham latest: Labour rebels accuse Starmer of ‘stitch-up’ after mayor’s Westminster return blocked
Why Starmer is accused of a ‘stitch-up’ after Burnham is blocked from by-election
- Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as an MP in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
- The NEC's decision, which was an 8-1 vote against Mr Burnham, has been criticised by Labour rebels as a 'stitch-up'.
- Mr Burnham expressed disappointment and criticised 'the way the Labour Party is being run these days' following the decision.
- Backbenchers circulated a letter urging the NEC to reconsider, warning that losing the seat to Reform UK would be 'unimaginable'.
- Allies of Sir Keir Starmer reportedly feared that allowing Mr Burnham back into Westminster could pose a threat to his leadership.