Summary
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, must decide by Saturday if he wants to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election. If he wins, it could allow him to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham needs permission from Labour's National Executive Committee, which may block his candidacy.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham has until 17:00 GMT on Saturday to decide about running in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
- Burnham needs approval from Labour's National Executive Committee to become a candidate.
- Some committee members may try to prevent Burnham from running.
- Angela Rayner is expected to support Burnham's candidacy at a Labour conference.
- If Burnham becomes an MP, it opens up the chance to challenge for party leadership.
- Winning the by-election could lead to a costly mayoral election in Greater Manchester.
- The NEC might require an all-women shortlist for the by-election candidates.
- The Gorton and Denton seat is a traditionally strong Labour constituency.
