UNCOVERED: 5 - The Untold Story

Starmer defends Labour move to block Burnham from running in by-election

The Prime Minister insisted the ‘battle of our times’ was between Labour and Reform rather than within his own party.

Evening Standard · Jan 26

Starmer defends blocking Burnham’s bid to become Labour MP

In an attempt to quell growing backlash within his party, the PM appealed for unity as Labour braces for local elections in the spring

The Independent UK · Jan 26

Starmer defends Labour decision to bar Burnham from byelection

Greater Manchester mayor’s participation in 26 February byelection would ‘divert resources’, says prime minister

The Guardian - UK · Jan 26

Starmer faces backlash as Labour blocks Burnham by-election bid

A 10-strong group from Labour’s National Executive Committee, including the Prime Minister himself, voted to deny Mr Burnham permission to stand.

Evening Standard · Jan 26

Starmer must deliver on Labour’s manifesto pledges to stop party being ripped apart by decision on Burnham

THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: The backlash to the prime minister blocking Andy Burnham from trying to return to the Commons will pile pressure on him to perform better domestically

The Independent UK · Jan 25

Andy Burnham ‘disappointed’ after Labour blocks bid to contest by-election

Members of Labour’s National Executive Committee voted on Sunday morning to deny the mayor of Greater Manchester permission to stand in the contest.

Evening Standard · Jan 25

Labour at war after Starmer blocks Andy Burnham’s Commons comeback bid

Labour MPs warn prime minister the decision will trigger ‘bloodletting’ – but supporters back move, saying it will help party draw a line under recent ‘psychodrama’

The Independent UK · Jan 25

Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?

The mayor of Greater Manchester has been seen as a potential rival to Sir Keir Starmer for leadership

The Independent UK · Jan 25

Starmer had no good options on Burnham – but blocking him is a big risk

PM will now face questions over whether he is focused more on protecting job than boosting Labour’s chances

The Guardian - UK · Jan 25

Labour can reverse its decision to block Andy Burnham. Here is why it must

Good politics is about collaboration and contestation. The NEC’s ruling means the party has turned its back on that, says Neal Lawson, director of campaign organisation Compass

The Guardian - UK · Jan 25