Andy Burnham hits out at Keir Starmer after being blocked from running in by-election

Andy Burnham has hit out at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after being blocked from running in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.

The Greater Manchester Mayor said he was "concerned" about future elections ahead as a result of the decision.

This morning, it emerged the 10-strong National Executive Committee (NEC) denied Mr Burnham permission to stand in order to avoid "an unnecessary election for the position of Greater Manchester mayor".

The party said a mayoral by-election "would have a substantial and disproportionate impact on party campaign resources" before local and devolved elections in May, adding Labour’s control of Greater Manchester "could not be put at any risk".

"Andy Burnham is doing a great job as mayor of Greater Manchester.

"We believe it is in the best interests of the party to avoid an unnecessary mayoral election which would use substantial amounts of taxpayers’ money and resources that are better spent tackling the cost-of-living crisis."

Despite the barring, the Greater Manchester Mayor's return to parliament is not shut completely as senior Labour politicians have left the door open for Mr Burnham to return to Westminster after his term as mayor ends in 2028.

In an update this afternoon, Mr Burnham wrote on X: "I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us.

"To whoever is Labour’s candidate and to our members in Manchester and Tameside: you will have my full support and I will be there whenever you need me."

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