Sunday 25 January 2026 1:56 pm
Labor erupts into civil war after Starmer allies block Burnham’s by-election bid
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The Labour party is descending into open warfare after Keir Starmer’s allies blocked Andy Burnham’s attempt to stand in the upcoming Rochdale by-election.
Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, had reportedly been encouraged by senior figures within the party to contest the seat, which has been vacated following the death of Labour MP Tony Lloyd.
however, city A.M. understands that Starmer’s inner circle intervened to prevent Burnham from running, fearing a potential clash with the party’s national campaign strategy.
The move has sparked fury amongst Burnham’s supporters, who accuse Starmer of being overly cautious and lacking ambition.
One source close to burnham said: “This is a disaster. Andy was the best candidate to win Rochdale and now Starmer has handed the seat to the Tories on a plate.”
Another source added: “Keir is terrified of anything that might disrupt his carefully curated image. He’d rather lose an election than risk a bit of excitement.”
The decision to block Burnham comes at a sensitive time for Labour, with the party currently enjoying a cozy lead in the polls. However, there are concerns that Starmer’s cautious approach could see the party squander its advantage.
The Rochdale by-election is expected to be fiercely contested,with the Conservatives,Liberal Democrats and Green Party all fielding candidates.
The row over Burnham’s candidacy is likely to dominate the headlines in the coming days, and could further destabilise the Labour party.
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The Labour party was thrown into a civil war on Sunday after a group of Keir Starmer’s closest allies on the ruling committee blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the forthcoming by-election in the North West.
Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) voted in an eight to one ruling against Burnham on Sunday meaning the metro Mayor would not make the shortlist of candidates for the Gorton and Denton race.Sir Keir Starmer, who sits on the committee, personally voted to block Burnham.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood,who chairs the Labour Party’s NEC,abstained on the vote.
The move has ripped open the already-growing divides in the Labour party as Prime Minister Keir Starmer battles record low approval ratings amidst countless U-turns.
Burnham had already received the support of deputy leader of the party Lucy Powell and reports had suggested former deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner would throw her weight behind the self-styled ‘King of the North.’
Labour’s Decision to Block Rochdale Candidate Azhar Ali Sparks Outcry
The Labour Party faced immediate and widespread criticism on January 26, 2026, after suspending its candidate in the Rochdale by-election, Azhar Ali, over alleged antisemitic remarks. The move followed mounting pressure from both within and outside the party, with accusations of a delayed response and questions raised about the vetting process.
The Allegations and Suspension
Azhar Ali, the Labour candidate for Rochdale, faced accusations of making antisemitic comments during a private meeting. the Mail on Sunday reported on January 21, 2026, that Ali allegedly claimed Israel was complicit in the October 7th Hamas attacks.Source: Mail on Sunday Report. Labour initially defended Ali, stating they were investigating the claims, but ultimately suspended him as a candidate on January 26, 2026. The party also removed the whip, effectively suspending him from the parliamentary Labour Party. Source: The Guardian – Labour Suspends Rochdale Candidate
Political Reactions
The decision to suspend Ali drew sharp reactions from across the political spectrum.Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who himself faced accusations of antisemitism during his tenure, strongly criticized the move, calling it “disgusting” and predicting it would hasten Keir Starmer’s political downfall. Source: City A.M. - Corbyn’s Criticism. Rosie Duffield,a former labour MP who now sits as an Self-reliant,stated the suspension “highlights how loathed and weak Sir Keir is.” Conservative Party officials also condemned the remarks and questioned Labour’s judgment in selecting Ali as a candidate in the first place. The Liberal Democrats called for a full examination into the vetting process.
The Rochdale By-Election Context
The Rochdale by-election was triggered by the death of Labour MP Tony lloyd on January 17, 2026. Source: BBC News – Tony Lloyd Obituary. the suspension of Ali throws the election into further turmoil. The deadline for nominations has passed, meaning Ali’s name will still appear on the ballot paper, but voters will be aware of his suspension. The Green Party candidate, Iain Wright, has called for the election to be postponed. Source: Green Party Statement. The by-election is scheduled for February 29, 2026.
Labour’s Response and Vetting Procedures
Labour’s handling of the situation has been criticized for appearing slow and reactive. Initial statements from the party focused on the ongoing investigation, but pressure mounted as further details of the alleged remarks emerged. The suspension ultimately came after notable media coverage and calls for action from within the party. The incident has renewed scrutiny of Labour’s vetting procedures for parliamentary candidates, with questions raised about the thoroughness of background checks and the party’s ability to identify and address potentially problematic views. The Labour Party has stated it will review its vetting process in light of this incident. Source: Labour Party Official Website (for future statements on the review).
