Labour MP on Brink of Exit as Andy Burnham Eyes Shock Return to Parliament
The political ground beneath Labour is shifting tonight and it starts with one man preparing to walk away from Westminster. Former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne is expected to step down as a Member of Parliament, a move that could open the door to a much bigger political battle inside the party.
Gwynne, who represents Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester, has been under a cloud for more than a year. He was suspended from Labour after offensive private messages emerged, messages that damaged public trust and ended his ministerial career. Since then, an investigation has dragged on and his position in Parliament has looked increasingly fragile. Now, senior figures believe he is close to leaving the Commons altogether, potentially on medical grounds.
If that happens, it would trigger a by-election in a seat Labour has held comfortably. But this is not just about replacing one MP with another. This is about what comes next for Labour’s leadership and direction.
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The possible vacancy immediately raises the name Andy Burnham. The Greater Manchester mayor has long been seen as a heavyweight figure with national ambitions. He has never ruled out challenging Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. But to do that, Burnham would first need to return to Parliament and this seat could be his route back.
That path, however, is far from clear. Burnham would have to step down as mayor, triggering another costly and risky election. He would also need approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee, a body widely viewed as supportive of Starmer. Some within the party believe the NEC could block Burnham, either on procedural grounds or to avoid internal upheaval at a time when Labour’s popularity is under pressure.
Even if Burnham were approved, he would still have to win the by-election. While Labour is favoured to hold the seat, recent results show growing support for rivals, including Reform UK and the Greens. A defeat would be a serious blow, not just to Burnham, but to the wider Labour movement.
This matters because it exposes deep tensions inside the governing party. It raises questions about accountability, about who gets a second chance in politics and about how open Labour really is to internal challenge. For voters, it is another reminder that leadership battles are not just fought in conference halls, but in local constituencies where every vote counts.
All eyes are now on what Andrew Gwynne decides to do next and how Labour responds if he goes. This is a moment that could reshape careers, test party unity and influence the future direction of the UK government.
Stay with us for continuing coverage as this story develops, because the next decision could change far more than just one seat in Parliament.
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