Labour’s civil war deepens over Gorton and Denton by-election
Labour’s internal divisions intensified as Andy Burnham accused the party leadership of dishonesty regarding plans to block his candidacy in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, reports BritPanorama.
Supporters of Sir Keir Starmer asserted that the Manchester Mayor had been notified prior to the announcement that he would not be permitted to run in the contest. This revelation came amid assertions from government officials that the decision regarding candidacy was “done and dusted.”
Housing Secretary Steve Reed reaffirmed this stance during an interview, stating, “It’s a decision that’s done and it’s dusted. Now the Labour Party members in Gorton & Denton will go ahead and they will select the person they want to be the Labour Party candidate in that by-election, and we will then fight to win that by-election.”
Despite the party’s claims, Andy Burnham firmly rejected the assertion, calling it “simply untrue.” The fallout has led to concerns among party officials, who privately concede that they are likely to lose the by-election, predicting that Labour might even finish third as the Greens gain traction on a pro-Gaza platform.
Strategically, Starmer’s allies believe that preventing Burnham’s candidacy is essential to avert a potential leadership challenge should he return to Westminster. Reports suggest that as many as 80 MPs have signed a private letter criticizing Sir Keir for blocking Burnham’s reintegration, which would enable a leadership challenge if the necessary number of backbenchers is maintained.
In an effort to minimize potential disruption, Downing Street is hastening the by-election schedule to February 26, a move they hope will circumvent the lengthy campaigning that may prove detrimental to the party’s reputation. The latest odds, according to bookmakers, indicate a competitive race between the Greens and Reform, with Labour anticipated to suffer a significant setback.
In anticipation of potential backlash, Starmer has been cautioned that a loss in Gorton and Denton, traditionally a Labour stronghold, would reflect poorly on his leadership, igniting further factionalism within the party. Backbencher Kim Johnson urged Starmer to reconsider his leadership amid escalating dissatisfaction stemming from this decision.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell asserted that the fallout from this “disgusting decision” would only exacerbate tensions within Labour, while sources from No10 remain optimistic that dissenting voices among the left can be managed. The situation remains fluid as party strategists rally support against Burnham’s influence and work to maintain focus on upcoming local elections.
Starmer defended the NEC’s decision, emphasizing the need for resources to be dedicated to necessary local elections rather than an avoidable mayoral contest. He stated, “Having an election for the Mayor of Manchester when it’s not necessary would divert our resources away from the elections that we must have, that we must fight and win.”
This ongoing dispute illustrates the challenges within Labour as the party grapples with its identity and future direction amid rising pressures from various factions, complicating its electoral strategy as it navigates the turbulent political landscape.
The depth of discontent within the party raises significant questions about the efficacy of current leadership strategies and their capacity to unify a party fractured by longstanding rivalries and ideological divides.
