Labour NEC member blocks rule changes to allow Andy Burnham leadership bid

A member of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has firmly opposed proposals to alter leadership rules that would enable Andy Burnham to contest the prime ministership. Luke Akehurst, the MP for North Durham and a staunch supporter of Keir Starmer, argued that the party’s procedures should not be modified to accommodate a single individual, describing it as “physically impossible” for Burnham to participate in an imminent contest.

Burnham’s allies are currently lobbying the NEC for an extended nomination period, potentially involving a byelection, to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to return to parliament and stand for leadership. Such a move could stretch the contest to approximately three months. However, Akehurst told Sky News and LBC that changing the rules to suit one person would set a problematic precedent, questioning whether byelections should be held for other figures such as David Miliband or Ed Balls.

The NEC previously blocked Burnham’s request to seek selection for the Gorton and Denton byelection in January, a decision that caused anger among some MPs and union backers. While Deputy Leader Angela Rayner stated she was “not doing deals” regarding support for Burnham, she previously argued that the party should not block individuals who wish to help deliver the future. Meanwhile, NEC member Abdi Duale suggested that Labour officials are “backing away” from blocking Burnham’s return, noting that the Prime Minister’s influence over the committee may have diminished following the recent election.

With Health Secretary Wes Streeting preparing to launch a leadership challenge against Starmer, concerns about internal division are growing. Akehurst warned that a leadership election could result in a prime minister significantly to the left of the current leadership, stating that the country does not need a “car crash” of a leadership contest. He emphasised that Labour members generally dislike removing their leaders and urged focus on delivery rather than internal factionalism.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also cautioned that a leadership battle could plunge the UK into economic chaos, citing recent growth figures despite the ongoing Iran war. The UK economy grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by a 0.8% boost in the services industry, marking the highest growth in the G7 for the period. Reeves stated that the numbers demonstrate the government has the right economic plan and that the economy is starting to bear fruit, reinforcing the argument against political instability.