Andy Burnham has made the decision to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election, causing a stir in Westminster. The Mayor of Greater Manchester applied to Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for approval to enter the contest following the announcement of Andrew Gwynne’s resignation due to health issues. Gwynne was dismissed as a minister and suspended from the Labour Party last year for inappropriate messages in a WhatsApp group.

Various cabinet ministers publicly supported Burnham’s return to Parliament, although there are reports of efforts to block his candidacy by Keir Starmer’s backers. Burnham emphasized in his letter to the NEC that his intention was to support the UK government from within Parliament, not undermine it.

He highlighted the need to defend Manchester’s values and achievements, expressing his commitment to leading the fight against divisive politics that threaten the city’s unity. Burnham aims to run a positive and unifying campaign, acknowledging both the successes and challenges faced by the region.

Acknowledging Gwynne’s service to the area, Burnham refrained from further comments on his candidacy due to the ongoing internal process. The announcement received support from Ed Miliband, who praised Burnham’s potential contribution to the parliamentary team under Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Sadiq Khan also endorsed Burnham’s bid to stand for MP, emphasizing the importance of having the best talents in Parliament. While there were concerns about potential opposition to Burnham’s candidacy from the NEC, prominent Labour figures stressed the significance of allowing local members to decide on the selection.

Additionally, Wes Streeting criticized anonymous criticisms against Burnham, calling for a more respectful culture within the party. Despite some fears that Burnham’s departure as mayor could benefit Reform in Greater Manchester, supporters emphasized the need to prioritize winning crucial elections over internal conflicts.