Andy Burnham 'disappointed' after bid to return as MP blocked by Labour's governing body
Sky News1 day
UK: Labour Blocks Starmer Rival Andy Burnham From By-Election Bid
Was Andy Burnham Labour's last chance, an unnecessary distraction or just another establishment politician?
Above: Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in Manchester, on June 13, 2024. Image credit: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Labour has made the correct, albeit difficult, decision. Burnham's selection as a parliamentary candidate would've only fed media speculation over the party's future all while diverting key resources ahead of a tough upcoming set of local elections. For now, Burnham serves the government best from his position as Greater Manchester mayor, working together to achieve meaningful change across the entire nation.
Government-critical narrative
With the NEC filled with status quo scrooges, it is no surprise that Labour has blocked its only hope to turn the ship around. It is already clear that Starmer's race has run, yet instead of doing what's best for the country, Labour's hierarchy seems intent on protecting itself at all costs. Labour has rejected the chance of replicating Manchester's success story in favor of dying a slow death.
Establishment-critical narrative
Burnham has never been the answer to Britain's problems, having supported austerity, NHS privatization and Blair's illegal Iraq war under New Labour. This supposed champion of the people is no better than Starmer — he's just another establishment politician who uses the politics of hope for personal gain.
Right narrative
This latest fiasco is yet more evidence of Labour's inability to govern. Despite having years to prepare for government, the prime minister has no control or leadership of his administration, which has been plagued be infighting from the start. Though Starmer's days are surely numbered, the more pressing issue is that the Labour Party at large lacks the confidence of the British public.