LONDON, May 15 – The ruling Labour Party in Britain announced Friday that it has authorized Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to pursue a parliamentary position, opening the door for a potential leadership contest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The possibility of a challenge from Burnham, who leans left politically, has intensified difficulties for Starmer, whose party experienced significant defeats in recent local elections, while also causing concern among investors as Britain’s borrowing costs rose sharply Friday by the largest amount in more than a year.
A lawmaker stepped down from his position Thursday to create an opening for Burnham to run for parliament, which he must do to be eligible to challenge Starmer for party leadership and potentially become prime minister.
Burnham had requested approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee to participate in the special election.
According to a party spokesperson, the NEC had “today given permission to Andy Burnham to stand in the candidate selection process in the forthcoming by-election for the Makerfield constituency”.
While Burnham has expressed his desire to “change Labour for the better”, he has not directly stated he will mount a challenge against Starmer, although numerous lawmakers who recently called for Starmer to announce a resignation timeline support Burnham as his replacement.
Previously this year, the NEC prevented Burnham from seeking a different position in Greater Manchester, which party progressives criticized as an effort by Starmer and his supporters to eliminate competition.
Friday’s approval ensures Burnham will not face similar obstacles from Labour, though he has not yet received official confirmation as the party’s nominee. The special election is expected to be competitive against Nigel Farage’s populist right-wing Reform UK.
