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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Peter Walker Senior political correspondent

EXPLAINED: Blocking burnham shows starmer s ruthlessness cannot mask his weakness | Rare Historical Photos

Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham, during a meeting with English regional mayors, at No 10 on 24 January 2026.
As a totemic figure in the north-west, Burnham (right) would have been expected to win the byelection. Photograph: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA

It is a sign that the political deck of cards is stacked against you when the only good hand is one that was never really going to be dealt. And so it was with Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham.

In an ideal world for the prime minister, Andrew Gwynne’s announcement that he was stepping down from his Gorton and Denton seat would have been followed by Burnham saying he already had a job as Greater Manchester mayor and would sit this one out, thanks very much.

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