Might Andy Burnham be getting ready to changing into a member of parliament?
After former minister Andrew Gwynne stepped down as a Labour MP, his Gorton and Denton constituency has been touted as a possible seat for the mayor of Larger Manchester.
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Properly, he faces a BIG hurdle.
It is not clear if Burnham will be capable to run as an MP. Pic: PA
There’s a new rule – launched within the 2026 Labour rule book – about mayors eager to grow to be an MP.
It says: “Straight Elected Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners should search the specific permission of the NEC/SEC/WEC (as relevant) earlier than searching for nomination as Labour candidates for the Westminster Parliament.
“The NEC/SEC/WEC’s determination shall be closing.”
Burnham must stand down as Manchester mayor, triggering an election for that put up – which Labour usually are not assured to win and can value tons of of 1000’s of kilos.
So, these are the grounds that could possibly be used to dam Burnham by Labour’s Nationwide Govt Committee (NEC).
I am informed Sir Keir Starmer’s chief-of-staff Morgan McSweeney thinks he is obtained the NEC sewn as much as block Burnham.
However you by no means fairly know.
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If Burnham is granted permission to use for the seat, the NEC creates a protracted and a shortlist.
NEC member Cat Arnold informed Sky Information there have to be a “free and truthful choice, at lengthy record and shortlist stage”.
“It might be fully unacceptable to gerrymander or unduly slender the record of potential candidates,” she mentioned.
The lengthy record is finished over e-mail, then the shortlisting is finished by a panel.
The panel has three members of the NEC, one member of the board and an area constituency consultant.
The panel is chosen by the workplace of the overall secretary, Hollie Ridley, who’s near McSweeney.
So it’s miles from clear Burnham wins this.