Andy Burnham has cleared a major hurdle to returning to Parliament, piling pressure on Keir Starmer as unrest grows within the Labour Party.
Andy Burnham has received support to return to parliament (Image: Getty)
Fresh turmoil has gripped the Labour Party after Andy Burnham gained a major boost in his efforts to return to Parliament, in a setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Sources say members of Labour’s National Executive Committee are no longer willing to block Mr Burnham from standing as an MP. This change removes a key barrier that had previously stopped him from re-entering Westminster and potentially launching a leadership challenge.
Insiders say this could be a major setback for Sir Keir (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir had relied on support within the committee to prevent Mr Burnham from contesting a by election earlier this year. However insiders now say attitudes have shifted, with concerns growing about Labour’s direction and fears of heavy losses in upcoming local elections.
The development is seen as a turning point inside the party. Mr Burnham has strong support among sections of Labour MPs and members, and returning to Parliament would allow him to formally enter any leadership contest.
Speculation is also growing around other potential challengers including Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner. Both are current MPs, which gives them an advantage in starting a leadership bid, as they would already have the backing required to trigger a contest.
Mr Burnham’s earlier attempt to stand in a by election was blocked by the committee, which cited process concerns and the cost of replacing a mayor. Now, sources suggest those arguments carry less weight as political pressure increases.
One insider told the Telegraph there had previously been a belief that Sir Keir could recover politically, but that confidence has weakened in recent weeks.
The shift comes amid wider unease within Labour, with some figures calling for change at the top. Discussions are already taking place about possible leadership timelines, especially if election results prove disappointing.
Downing Street has insisted that the Prime Minister remains focused on governing and delivering on his promises. Sir Keir has pointed to his election victory and says he expects to be judged at the next general election.