The Labour Party considers Andy Burnham's potential return to Westminster as a by-election in Gorton and Denton approaches

24 January 2026 , 11:36

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The Labour Party considers Andy Burnham's potential return to Westminster as a by-election in Gorton and Denton approaches

Labour MPs are preparing to meet amid growing speculation that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could stand in an upcoming Westminster by-election triggered by the resignation of a local MP.

The contest follows the formal resignation of Andrew Gwynne, the former MP for the Greater Manchester seat, which has opened the way for a by-election in the constituency of Gorton and Denton. The development has sparked renewed discussion within Labour about whether Burnham should return to frontline parliamentary politics.

It is expected that Angela Rayner will signal her support for allowing Burnham to enter the race when Labour MPs from north-west England gather. Burnham, who has long been seen as a potential future leadership contender, now faces a narrow window to decide whether to put himself forward as Labour’s candidate.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday, January 25. As a serving regional mayor, Burnham would also need permission from Labour’s National Executive Committee by 5pm on Saturday. The NEC includes a number of figures closely aligned with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

A selection process is expected to take place next week, concluding with a hustings and final NEC endorsement by Saturday, January 31.

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The prospect of Burnham being blocked by the party leadership has already caused unease among some Labour MPs. Several have warned against using the NEC to limit the choice of candidates in the by-election.

Jo White, chair of Labour’s Red Wall group, said the decision should be left to local members, warning that interference from party headquarters would be damaging. Other MPs echoed the concern, arguing that Gorton and Denton should be free to choose from the strongest possible candidates.

The debate comes as senior Labour figures prepare to speak at the Fabian Society’s New Year conference in London, highlighting a week of heightened political focus for the party as it balances internal tensions with its broader public agenda.

Emily Hughes