Andy Burnham says he is 'disappointed' and 'concerned' after bid to stand as MP blocked

Releasing a statement on X, the Greater Manchester mayor wrote: "I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us.

"To whoever is Labour’s candidate and to our members in Manchester and Tameside: you will have my full support and I will be there whenever you need me."

Earlier on Sunday, it was announced Mr Burnham's application to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election was blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC).

Read more: Andy Burnham blocked from standing as an MP by Labour's ruling body in blow to leadership hopes

Read more: Labour MP tells LBC now is 'not the time' for Andy Burnham to stand in by-election

The statement added: "Tomorrow [Monday], I return with full focus to my role as Mayor of GM, defending everything we have built in our city-region over many years.

"I decided to put myself forward to prevent the divisive politics of Reform from damaging that.

"We are stronger together and let’s stay that way."

In a final dig towards the Labour party, he wrote: "The fact that the media was informed of the NEC decision before I was tells you everything you need to know about the way the Labour Party is being run these days.

"You would think that over 30 years of service would count for something but sadly not."

Mr Burnham had required formal permission from the NEC to run as Labour's candidate for the Parliamentary seat, but the ten-person panel voted eight to one against him, it is understood.

He confirmed on Saturday he had applied for permission to run amid long-running speculation he could challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership.

He said the decision had been "difficult," but now was "the moment to mount the strongest possible defence of what we stand for."

Speaking to LBC's Henry Riley on Sunday, Labour MP Karl Turner described the NEC's move to block Mr Burnham as a "mistake."

Mr Turner, who represents Kingston upon Hull east, told Henry: "I think it was a mistake.

"I think he should have been entitled to go forward to the next roundup, the very least, and then potentially be shortlisted for the CLP to choose their preferred candidate.

"Why do I say it? Because I think he was the best candidate on the basis of evidence. He won not just every single constituency ward in that massive Greater Manchester region, he won every single ballot box.

"That is a massive result in that election. So I think he was best placed to be the candidate.

"I think he's got a lot of experience, I think he offers a lot to Parliament, actually. And I think he could have been used by the Prime Minister in Cabinet, is my view."

During his announcement on Saturday, Mr Burnham argued there was now "a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."

He continued: "I see this by-election as the front line of that fight for the Manchester way and I feel I owe it to a city which has given me so much to lead it from the front, despite the risks involved."

However, the Labour Party said in a statement: "The NEC has decided not to grant Andy Burnham permission to stand.

"The NEC believes that causing an unnecessary election for the position of Greater Manchester Mayor would have a substantial and disproportionate impact on party campaign resources ahead of the local elections and elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd in May.

"Although the Party would be confident of retaining the mayoralty, the NEC could not put Labour’s control of Greater Manchester at any risk.

"Andy Burnham is doing a great job as Mayor of Greater Manchester. We believe it is in the best interests of the party to avoid an unnecessary Mayoral election, which would use substantial amounts of taxpayers’ money and resources that are better spent tackling the cost of living crisis.

"We look forward to fighting and winning the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton and the positive campaign ahead, which will be firmly focused on tackling the cost of living and bringing investment to the local area."

Despite blocking his candidacy, it is suggested senior Labour politicians may leave the door open for Mr Burnham to return to Westminster after his term as mayoral ends in 2028.

Some Labour MPs have also come out in favour of the decision, urging the party to avoid infighting and move on to winning the by-election.

Phil Brickell, who represents the Greater Manchester constituency of Bolton West, said speculation about Mr Burnham’s candidacy in recent days had "seen the Labour Party quickly turn inward, undermining the PM’s efforts at home and abroad."