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Angela Rayner to Support Andy Burnham’s Bid in Labour By-Election
Backing for Burnham
Angela Rayner is set to publicly support Andy Burnham as he seeks to return to the House of Commons.
The Labour deputy leader will make her endorsement at the party’s North West regional conference.
Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, faces a looming by-election after Andrew Gwynne vacated the Gorton and Denton seat.
Rayner’s intervention could spark tensions between Labour’s North and South factions, highlighting a growing divide within the party.
Key Deadlines and Party Rules
Burnham must decide quickly.
The Labour Party set a 5 pm Saturday deadline for candidates to seek approval from the National Executive Committee (NEC), with applications due by midnight Sunday.
Jo White, head of a group of 43 Red Wall MPs, warned Labour against any “London stitch-up” that could block Burnham from contesting the seat.
White argued that the North should choose their candidate without interference from party leaders in London.
Party Reactions
Labour insiders describe the contest as an “Andy vs Keir show,” referring to Burnham and party leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, could play a key role in approving candidates.
Unison general secretary Andrea Egan criticized what she called “control-freakery” in the party, urging a democratic process that lets local members decide their representative.
Burnham’s Challenges
Burnham has kept a low profile but will face questions at Saturday’s conference.
He must resign as mayor, gain NEC approval, and contend with competition from Reform UK and the Green Party.
While Labour won the seat in 2024 with 51%, the upcoming by-election is now a three-way contest.
Deputy PM David Lammy cautioned that a leadership change could trigger a general election, while Health Minister Stephen Kinnock hinted that Burnham might remain effective as mayor.
Political Background
Burnham has served as mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017.
He was previously MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017 and has run for Labour leadership twice.
The Gorton and Denton seat was vacated by Andrew Gwynne, who resigned for health reasons after a previous suspension over offensive messages.
