Andy Burnham hits back at 'simply untrue' claims over blocking of Westminster comebackThe 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 candidacyView Image Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (Image: @ITVNewsPolitics)Andy Burnham has hit out at claims he was warned in advance he would be blocked for standing in a crucial by-election. Mr Burnham branded the claims "simply untrue" on his X account. Mr Burnham said that he had spent the weekend having conversations with senior people in Downing Street to "discuss the pros and cons" of putting himself forward. ‌He added: "It is simply untrue to say that there was a message given I would definitely be blocked. Article continues belowAnd Cabinet minister Steve Reed rejected suggestions that denying Mr Burnham a run in the upcoming contest stemmed from fears of a challenge to Mr Starmer's leadership.

Source: Daily Mirror January 27, 2026 22:39 UTC