The Mayor of Greater Manchester announced his plans to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election today
What you need to know about Andy Burnham’s MP bid
The Mayor of Greater Manchester announced his plans to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election today
20:11, 24 Jan 2026Updated 20:12, 24 Jan 2026
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, walks outside the ACC Liverpool during the Labour Conference 2025(Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
- Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has officially applied to Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for permission to stand as an MP in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
- Mr Burnham stated he wants to combat a “brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other” and believes he must return to national politics to achieve the changes Manchester needs.
- The seat became available after Andrew Gwynne resigned on January 22 due to “significant ill health.” Mr Gwynne had previously been suspended from the party following the “Trigger Me Timbers” WhatsApp controversy.
- As a directly-elected mayor, Burnham requires “express permission” from the NEC (chaired by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood) just to enter the selection process.
- If approved by the NEC, he must still be shortlisted and win a vote from local party members.
- Some Labour MPs have already warned the NEC against blocking Burnham’s candidacy, given his status as a high-profile figure and potential leadership rival to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- If elected as an MP, Burnham must resign as mayor. He cannot hold both offices because the mayoralty includes Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities, which are legally incompatible with being an MP.
- His departure would trigger a separate, potentially expensive election for a new mayor of Greater Manchester.
- The Gorton and Denton by-election could take place on May 7, coinciding with scheduled local elections.
- First elected in 2017, Burnham is currently in his third term as Mayor (re-elected in 2021 and 2024). He served as the MP for Leigh for 16 years (2001–2017) and held senior cabinet positions, including Health Secretary and Culture Secretary.
See the full story: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/andy-burnham-announces-bid-return-33296454
