Labour NEC Approves Andy Burnham's Makerfield Byelection Bid

Labour's national executive committee has granted Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham permission to stand in the candidate selection process for the upcoming Makerfield byelection, a party spokesman said.

Burnham still has two more years of his term as mayor; if he stands, a mayoral byelection will be needed. Under Labour rules, sitting mayors need NEC approval to stand for Westminster. He would also need to be formally selected by local party members.

The move has drawn support from senior Labour figures. Former health secretary Wes Streeting described Burnham as one of Labour's "best players on the pitch" ahead of what he called a "tough" byelection. Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said there will be "absolutely no attempt" to stop Burnham from running, speaking at a Fire Brigades Union conference in Coventry. Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said the union would back Burnham's Westminster bid, stating: "Usdaw's NEC representatives have decided they will vote for the Greater Manchester mayor to be allowed to seek selection as a parliamentary candidate."

Former Green leader Caroline Lucas suggested the Greens should not contest the byelection, saying: "There are times when it's more important to put country before party. This is one of them. Burnham's longstanding commitment to a fairer voting system could transform our democracy and counter dire threat of a Reform UK government." The Greens have separately said they are "looking forward to the campaign" in Makerfield as they plan to "beat Reform".

Financial markets reacted to the prospect of a leadership challenge. The pound dropped by almost 3 cents, or 2%, during the week to $1.336 on Friday, a five-week low. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said: "This is a sign that Burnham is the least market-friendly of all the candidates, as Wes Streeting's resignation did not have the same negative effect."

In the 2024 general election, Labour MP Josh Simons won Makerfield by a majority of 5,399, with Reform UK's Robert Kenyon taking 12,803 votes. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said the party will "throw absolutely everything" at the contest. Reform UK also said Nigel Farage bought a £1.4 million property using money from appearing on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! A Reform UK spokesman said: "The offer and purchase process for the property commenced before the gift. Mr Farage had already passed proof of funds and the relevant checks before receiving the gift. The purchase was therefore already proceeding independently of it."

Reform MP Andrew Rosindell, who defected from the Conservatives in January, called on the Tories to stand aside in Makerfield. "If the Conservatives are serious about stopping Labour's chaos and decline, they should stand aside in this by-election and give a clear run against Andy Burnham," Rosindell wrote on X.

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