0h 20min, jan 27, 2026 y - MP Letter Objecting to Burnham Decision

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Around 50 Labour MPs have signed a letter objecting to the decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in a forthcoming parliamentary by-election, BBC News understands.

They have written to Sir Keir Starmer to warn the decision is a "real gift" to Reform UK, as polling suggests Burnham may be Labour's "very best chance at winning" the vacant Gorton and Denton seat.

The signatories said there was "no legitimate reason" to block Burnham and asked for Labour's ruling body to "re-evaluate" the decision, made by party bosses.

Sir Keir has said allowing Burnham to contest the seat would have diverted Labour's resources away from other important elections.

A ten-member panel of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked Burnham's candidacy over the weekend, citing the "disproportionate" cost to the party of a taking part in a contest to replace him as mayor.

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