The Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he has had no contact with the suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne who is said to be on the brink of resigning from the Commons
Andy Burnham has insisted he is “in the dark” over reports a suspended Labour MP is on the brink of resigning from the Commons.
The MP for Gorton and Denton Andrew Gwynne is said to be standing down in a move that would trigger a by-election for the North West seat. Mr Gwynne was sacked as a minister and suspended from the Labour Party last year over offensive messages in a WhatsApp group named Trigger Me Timbers.
It has led to fevered speculation Mr Burnham, the current Greater Manchester Mayor and former Cabinet minister, could contest the seat and challenge Keir Starmer’s position. But Mr Burnham told the Local Democracy Reporting Service today: “It’s not been confirmed to me. I’ve had no contact on this issue with Andrew or anyone close to him.
“I know him of old of course but I’m as in the dark about this as anyone.” He added: “People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as Mayor of Greater Manchester and I think the [reindustrialisation] plan I put out this week shows that.”
READ MORE: Suspended Labour MP ‘set to quit’ as Andy Burnham speculation ramps up
If Mr Burnham did wish to stand in any by-election he would need the approval of Labour’s governing body – the National Executive Committee – which is viewed as loyal to Keir Starmer. It could potentially block the Greater Manchester Mayor from standing in a move that would likely lead to a massive row within the party.
Speaking today, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “It would be a democratic outrage if Andy Burnham was blocked from seeking selection as Labour’s by-election candidate in this seat. In the event that a by-election takes place, as an affiliated union, the FBU will not stand by and allow senior Labour politicians like Andy to be carved out of this process. “
Mr Gwynne has previously denied he was intending to vacate the North West seat, which he won comfortably at the 2024 General Election with a 50% share of the vote. But the Guardian reported on Thursday he had reached a settlement with the Commons on his MP’s pension that would allow him to retire from the chamber.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting was asked about Mr Gwynne stepping down and clearing the way for Mr Burnham to stand during a series of radio interviews on Thursday. He told the BBC : “Andrew Gwynne was a member of my team in opposition and in government. I’m aware he’s had some very serious health challenges.
“And you know, for all of the other challenges he’s gone through and some of the difficulties he’s had, I wish him and his family well, and I hope he’s okay. His health has been a real challenge.”
Mr Streeting added: “If indeed there is going to be a by-election, we need to make sure we’ve got a strong candidate, that we fight really hard to win that by-election, and we need our best candidates to come forward. As to who that is, whether or not Andy will throw his hat into the ring, is for Andy to consider, and ultimately for party members to decide. But we need strong candidates.
“I’ll just say about Andy, having just seen him just earlier this week, whether it’s in government nationally, or whether it’s leading the city and the region locally, he makes a massive impact and makes a really big difference. He’s someone I’m proud to work with.” The Mirror has contacted Mr Gwynne for comment.