Zack Polanski told not to challenge Andy Burnham's No10 plot amid ‘dire Reform threat’

GB News - News

source • 3 mentions

When is the Makerfield by-election?

Supported by 1 story

Likely date revealed as Andy Burnham's No10 push faces crunch test.

Supported by 1 story

The Makerfield by-election is expected to take place on June 18, giving Andy Burnham just 34 days to prepare for his potential return to Westminster.A by-election was triggered in the Greater Manchester constituency after ex-minister Josh Simons announced he would resign as an MP.Mr Simons, who was once a staunch supporter of Sir Keir Starmer, made clear his decision was intended to assist Mr Burnham's leadership ambitions.

Supported by 1 story

He said: "I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for." TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Mr Burnham almost immediately released his own statement to express his intention to put his name forward.Labour's National Executive Committee today confirmed it would not block Mr Burnham's candidacy, changing its position on the Greater Manchester Mayor's eligibility since rejecting his request to contest Gorton & Denton in February.

Supported by 1 story

Zack Polanski told not to challenge Andy Burnham's No10 plot amid ‘dire Reform threat'.

Supported by 1 story

Zack Polanski has been urged not to field a Green Party candidate in Makerfield if Andy Burnham is selected to contest the Greater Manchester seat in a by-election.Caroline Lucas, who sat as the Green Party's only MP from 2010 to 2024, suggested Mr Burnham was an ally of the Green Party's cause and issued a warning about the "dire threat" posed by Reform UK.She said: "There are times when it's more important to put country before party."This is one of them.

Supported by 1 story

Burnham's longstanding commitment to a fairer voting system could transform our democracy [and] counter dire threat of a Reform UK Government." TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say However, Mr Polanski's party suggested it is preparing to campaign in Makerfield following the release of Josh Simons's resignation letter.A Green Party spokesman said: "We are looking forward to the campaign."We've learned from our campaigning and wins in Gorton & Denton and the recent local elections, and we've shown we can beat Reform."We're a democratic...

Supported by 1 story

Labour insiders have reportedly discussed former Manchester United captain Gary Neville as a potential successor to Andy Burnham if he returns to Westminster in a bid to revive his national political career.According to reports, Neville's name has been raised inside Labour circles as party figures quietly prepare for the possibility of Burnham vacating the Greater Manchester mayoralty.The extraordinary discussions come amid mounting speculation that Burnham is preparing for a dramatic return to frontline politics as pressure grows on Sir Keir Starmer following Labour infighting and Cabinet turmoil.Burnham confirmed this week he will seek permission from Labour's NEC to stand in the forthcoming Makerfield by-election.

Supported by 1 story