Andy Burnham has spoken of his disappointment at Labour’s National Executive in blocking his name going forward to stand as a candidate for the Gorton and Denton seat
“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.”
Burnham continues
“Tomorrow I return with full focus to my role as Mayor of GM, defending everything we have built in our city-region over many years.” adding
”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.”
A snap poll of Manchester voters say Labour was wrong to block Andy Burnham
The poll of 1000 Greater Manchester voters by the NewStatesman found that 54% said that the party was wrong” to block Burnham’s bid (8% say it’s “right”)
62% say Burnham should be “free to seek selection as an MP” while 53% agree with the claim that “petty personal or factional politics” are behind the decision to block Burnham
50% say they would interpret the decision as a sign of weakness from Labour (5% say it shows strength) and just 7% agree with the NEC’s stated reason that a mayoral by-election would be an expensive incovenience for locals
33% even say the party blocking Burnham would make them “less likely” to vote Labour
The shop workers Union USDAW based in Manchester have also accepted the decision
Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “We acknowledge that Labour’s NEC sub-committee gave full consideration to Andy Burnham’s application and looking closely at the wider ramifications. We accept their decision and conclusion about the major disruption that would be caused by Andy Burnham abandoning his current role. He is a fantastic mayor, who won a majority in every ward across Greater Manchester, and I know he will continue to deliver for those voters. We call on the party to unite and focus on delivering the change that was promised and the country voted for.”
