Andy Burnham hits again at ‘merely unfaithful’ claims over blocking of Westminster comeback
The Mayor of Greater Manchester’s hopes of a Westminster comeback came to an abrupt end at the weekend when Labour’s governing body vetoed his candidacy
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham(Image: @ITVNewsPolitics)
Andy Burnham has hit out at claims he was warned in advance by No10 he would be blocked for standing in a crucial by-election.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester’s hopes of a Westminster comeback came to an abrupt end at the weekend when Labour’s governing body vetoed his candidacy on Sunday.
The move – backed by Keir Starmer – has led to a massive backlash among Labour MPs.
Today sources close to the Prime Minister told ITV’s Robert Peston that Mr Burnham was told he would be rejected if he put his name forward in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester hit back at the suggestion, telling reporters today: “It is simply untrue to say that I was told that I would be blocked. I can’t say anymore than that.”
Mr Burnham spent the weekend having conversations with senior people in Downing Street to “discuss the pros and cons” of putting himself forward.
“It is simply untrue to say that there was a message given I would definitely be blocked. After all, the NEC is meant to be an independent body – it doesn’t stack up.”
A No10 spokesperson appeared to agree with Mr Burnham’s account, saying: “No one in Number 10 told Andy Burnham not to apply to the NEC for permission to stand or gave any indication to him which sought to prejudge the NEC officers’ deliberation or decision.”
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