Today in Focus Starmer v Burnham: will it split Labour?
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Jan 27, 2026 
Peter Walker, Senior political correspondent at The Guardian, unpacks the clash between Starmer and Burnham and its implications for Labour leadership. He explains why Burnham tried for Gorton and whether the seat was winnable. He breaks down internal manoeuvres, electoral risks from Reform and Greens, and what the showdown reveals about factional tensions and leadership perception.
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Burnham's Calculated Return Bid
- Andy Burnham sought a winnable by-election to return to Westminster and potentially challenge Keir Starmer.
- His letter framed the move as duty to Manchester and a bid to stop polarising politics locally.
Swift NEC Vote Fueled Stitch-Up Claims
- The decision was taken by an NEC officers' group including Keir Starmer, and it passed overwhelmingly.
- That swift 8-1 result fuelled accusations of a factional 'stitch-up' by Starmer's allies.
Practical Case Behind The Block
- Labour's official reason to block Burnham was practical: his mayoralty would trigger a costly mayoral election.
- Starmer and allies argued the disruption and resource drain during busy local elections made the bid unnecessary.