Story perspectives

Local Labour Members to Decide Burnham's By-Election Bid

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lucy Powell, Labour deputy leader, said the decision on Andy Burnham's candidacy for Gorton and Denton by-election should rest with local members.
Speculation about Burnham's return to Westminster intensified after MP Andrew Gwynne's resignation.
Powell warned the by-election could be pivotal as Labour faces Reform UK and Green Party.
Supporters including former deputy leader Angela Rayner are expected to back Burnham's candidacy before the National Executive Committee (NEC)'s Sunday decision.

History

Historical Context

Following Ed Miliband's resignation after the 2015 general election defeat, the Labour Party faced a leadership crisis. Jeremy Corbyn emerged as a surprise candidate, winning 59.5% of the vote on September 12, 2015, with a platform advocating for grassroots involvement. Today, Lucy Powell's support for local member decisions in Andy Burnham's candidacy reflects ongoing tensions within Labour as it navigates challenges from parties like Reform UK and the Green Party.

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Story summary

Lucy Powell, Labour deputy leader, said the decision on Andy Burnham's candidacy for Gorton and Denton by-election should rest with local members.
Speculation about Burnham's return to Westminster intensified after MP Andrew Gwynne's resignation.
Powell warned the by-election could be pivotal as Labour faces Reform UK and Green Party.
Supporters including former deputy leader Angela Rayner are expected to back Burnham's candidacy before the National Executive Committee (NEC)'s Sunday decision.

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