Andy Burnham Faces Crucial Test In Labour By Election Bid

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a towering figure in Labour politics and a champion of northern devolution, stands at a pivotal crossroads in his career. On January 24, 2026, Burnham formally announced his intention to seek the Labour Party candidacy for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election—a move that could not only end his nearly nine-year tenure as the region’s inaugural mayor but also set the stage for a potential leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Burnham’s ambitions, however, are entwined with a complex web of party politics, legal hurdles, and local loyalties. According to Bloomberg, Burnham wrote to Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), requesting permission to enter the selection process for the by-election. In his letter, he assured Starmer that, if selected, he would “support the work of the government, not undermine it.” Burnham also pledged, “If allowed to stand, I will run a hopeful and unifying campaign with broad appeal to voters, while at the same time being honest about the alienation people feel from politics.”

The NEC’s approval is a non-negotiable hurdle for Burnham. As a directly elected mayor with police and crime commissioner powers, UK law prohibits him from serving simultaneously as an MP. Should he stand in the by-election, Burnham would be required to resign as mayor, a decision that would bring an end to a transformative era for Greater Manchester. The NEC must also consider the financial and logistical implications of triggering a fresh mayoral election—a process that cost the Greater Manchester Combined Authority around £4.7 million during the last cycle, as reported by the BBC.

Burnham’s record as mayor is both storied and controversial. Taking office on May 4, 2017, he was thrust into the national spotlight just two weeks later when Manchester was rocked by a terrorist attack at the city’s arena, killing 22 people. In the aftermath, Burnham set the tone for the city’s response, urging resilience and unity. “I want to thank the people of Manchester,” he declared. “Even in the minutes after the attack, they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger. They gave the best possible immediate response to those who seek to divide us. And it will be that spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together.”

Burnham’s tenure has been defined by his willingness to confront both local and national crises head-on. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he famously clashed with Downing Street over financial support for the region under ‘Tier 3’ restrictions. The image of Burnham reacting in real time to the government’s refusal to provide additional funds became emblematic of his combative advocacy for Greater Manchester. The government ultimately relented, increasing its support package—a victory that cemented Burnham’s “King of the North” reputation, according to the Manchester Evening News.

His legacy also includes sweeping reforms in transport and housing. The Bee Network, Burnham’s ambitious project to bring buses back under public control, launched its first service in September 2023 and was fully operational by January 2025. This marked the first time since 1986 that a UK city outside London had achieved such a feat. “This is a big moment for us,” Burnham said at the launch. “It’s a journey the city-region has been on as long as I’ve been around. It’s a huge achievement for us all. I think it’s the biggest change to buses this country has seen in a long, long time.”

Burnham’s economic initiatives have been equally bold. In November 2025, he launched the £1 billion Good Growth Fund, consolidating previous housing investment efforts and injecting new capital from pension funds and borrowing. The fund, he said, “marked a decisive break with trickle-down economics and old extractive approaches to growth.” He also unveiled a “Manchesterism” plan to reindustrialise the city with five growth clusters, signaling a continued focus on economic transformation.

Transport, too, remains a battleground. In January 2026, after years of lobbying, Burnham and other local leaders secured government investment for a new Liverpool-Manchester railway line, with a crucial review underway to determine if Manchester Piccadilly station could be built underground—a move that could unlock further development and improve regional connectivity.

Yet, as Burnham eyes a return to Westminster, his path is far from clear. The NEC, whose decision is expected by January 25, 2026, must weigh not only internal party dynamics but also the optics of potentially blocking a popular figure. According to Bloomberg, two NEC members have signaled that Burnham’s bid may be denied, citing the expense and disruption of a mayoral by-election. There’s also talk of an all-women shortlist for the seat, given Labour’s current gender imbalance among MPs.

The Gorton and Denton seat itself, while historically a Labour stronghold, is not a guaranteed win. Electoral Calculus projections published earlier in January suggest Labour could lose the seat to Reform UK, with polling showing Reform at 33%, the Greens at 24%, and Labour trailing at 20%. Burnham’s name recognition, however, could prove decisive, potentially rallying traditional Labour voters and staving off challenges from smaller parties.

Labour’s top brass appear divided over Burnham’s ambitions. Deputy leader Lucy Powell, who sits on the NEC, has voiced support for Burnham, calling him “an incredibly popular politician” and arguing that “the very best candidate, the person who can most help Labour win in that by-election” should be selected. London Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed the sentiment, saying, “If Andy Burnham wants to be a member of Parliament, Andy Burnham should be allowed to be a member of Parliament. I am a firm believer in the best teams having all the talent playing for them.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the gravity of Burnham’s decision, noting the “big questions to weigh up over what the consequences would be if we were to have an election in Manchester.” Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is expected to advocate for Burnham’s right to stand at a regional conference, and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell warned on X that blocking Burnham “would cause immense damage both to Keir and therefore the party.”

Not all Labour voices are enthusiastic. Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Middleton South, cautioned, “As a sitting Manchester MP, I don’t want to leave the back door open to Reform to have a go at getting the mayoralty of Greater Manchester. I think it’s very high-risk. By-elections are a nightmare for any candidates standing on behalf of a sitting government. I don’t think Andy should take that risk.”

The clock is ticking. Burnham has until midnight on January 25, 2026, to submit his application. The NEC’s verdict could reshape not only his future but also the trajectory of Labour’s leadership and the political landscape of Greater Manchester. With the stakes this high, every decision—by Burnham, the NEC, and the local party—will be scrutinized not just by party insiders but by voters across the country.

Whatever the outcome, Burnham’s next move promises to reverberate far beyond the city he has led for nearly a decade, offering a telling glimpse into the shifting balance of power within the Labour Party and the evolving identity of modern British politics.