Labour Clears Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for Makerfield By-Election Bid

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham received clearance from Labour's National Executive Committee to seek selection as the party's candidate in the Makerfield by-election.

The committee had blocked his previous attempt to stand in a by-election in January. The North West England constituency became vacant Thursday when Labour MP Josh Simons announced his resignation to make way for Burnham.

If selected and victorious, Burnham would be positioned to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for leadership. Starmer continues to resist calls to stand down or set a departure timetable. He plans to fight any challenge from Burnham or other contenders.

On Friday, Starmer visited a police control centre in London but avoided media questions. Housing Secretary Steve Reed, an ally of the prime minister, said: "It's been a very difficult week but we need to take a breath now, take this weekend to reflect on what's going on, and come back next week and focus on the country we were elected to serve."

Tensions eased after a week of intense political activity. Starmer defied demands to resign following his party's poor election results. Nearly 90 Labour MPs have called for him to go, and five ministers have quit. A leadership race requires a formal challenge backed by 81 Labour MPs.

Burnham announced his bid, saying he wanted to "bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people."

Applications to become Labour's candidate close Monday, May 18, with a selection meeting set for May 21. Makerfield has long been a safe Labour seat but has recently tilted toward Reform UK, which could make the race difficult for Burnham.

Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary Thursday, has emerged as a potential leadership contender. He called for a broad debate on the party's future but did not confirm a leadership run.