Chris Mason: Burnham's Blocked Bid Signals Continuing Drama in Starmer's Leadership

15 hours ago Share Save Chris Mason Political editor Share Save

Recently, I likened the situation involving Andy Burnham, his aspirations, and the upcoming by-election in Greater Manchester, to a convoluted marble run. There was a slim possibility that if everything aligned, Burnham could be prime minister by year's end. However, as predicted, the marble has dramatically derailed. In an exertion of sheer power—they view as addressing potential vulnerabilities—No 10 halted Burnham's ambitions of transitioning from Manchester to Westminster, possibly further to Downing Street.

This verdict emerged from a Labour Party panel, but Sir Keir Starmer's allies emphasize that he attended the virtual meeting on Sunday, casting a decisive vote to hinder Andy Burnham. Their dynamics have long been intriguing.

Initially, Burnham's political career was deeply rooted in Westminster, serving as an adviser, an MP for 16 years, and a cabinet minister. He twice campaigned for the Labour leadership. More than a decade ago, he expressed to me his goal of becoming prime minister. Subsequently, he redefined his career stance by opposing Westminster as Greater Manchester's Mayor. His national ambitions, however, have been apparent, frequently eliciting amusement or skepticism from Sir Keir.

Burnham's assertions last autumn, coinciding with the Labour annual conference, vexed numerous party members. He gave an interview to The New Statesman, leading with the suggestive title 'Andy Burnham's plan for Britain.' Shortly after, The Telegraph interviewed him under the banner, 'Andy Burnham: MPs want me to challenge Starmer.' While Burnham's team correctly notes that politicians don't write headlines, the implication of his ambitions was unmistakable. Recently, he described in The Guardian how his mayoral strategies could potentially work on a national scale.

'Aspiring for leadership is commendable, yet unsurprisingly, the current leader might look unfavorably upon such maneuvers,' especially as Starmer can argue for his enormous majority win for Labour, irrespective of opinions on Labour's governance since. No 10 prefers to handle temporary backlash—reactions streaming across social media—over permitting prolonged media chaos with Burnham as a by-election candidate, inevitably leading to inquiries about his plans if he became prime minister. 'There's skepticism about Andy's intentions as a cooperative team member, and the last thing needed is to indulge in unnecessary drama,' a senior party member stated. 'We can't allow instability born out of personal ambitions.' Others, however, see this move as absurd, arguing it's unwise to curb a figure they regard as one of Labour's promising talents. 'Blocking democracy is wrong. Keir's actions show fear, reflecting poorly on him,' remarked a senior Labour MP. In just a few months, Prime Minister loyalists have heavily critiqued Health Secretary Wes Streeting, perceived as ambitious, and blocked Burnham's Westminster return. They insist voters are tired of political theatrical performances and are focusing on governance amid complex international and national contexts. Critics within and outside the Labour Party think otherwise.