Labour Mayor Criticizes ‘Gutless’ Attacks on Andy Burnham

The ongoing internal conflict within the Labour Party has intensified as Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram publicly condemned anonymous briefings against Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Rotheram described the actions of senior party figures as “gutless,” coinciding with the party’s decision to block Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election scheduled for February 26, 2026.

The Labour leadership, including Keir Starmer, justified this decision by asserting that allowing Burnham to run could have led to a separate by-election for the Manchester mayoralty, potentially costing the party and taxpayers millions. Burnham, who has previously expressed disappointment with the party’s lack of support during his three mayoral campaigns, has been vocal about his feelings of being sidelined.

In a statement to The Times, an unnamed cabinet minister remarked, “He’s been handed everything on a plate for his whole career. He’s now angry because people won’t make way for his second coming. It’s typical Andy,” which further fueled the backlash against the Labour leadership.

Rotheram’s Call for Transparency

Rotheram took to social media platform X to voice his concerns. He stated, “Enough already. I’ve kept my counsel so far because there were assurances from the prime minister that anonymous briefings against Andy Burnham would stop.” He further criticized those using anonymity to launch attacks, likening them to “keyboard warriors.”

Rotheram emphasized the importance of political accountability, underscoring his belief that anonymous attacks only benefit the party’s opponents. He challenged those anonymously criticizing Burnham to engage in public debate about their political contributions and the impact of their actions.

“These anonymous attacks help nobody but our opponents. For the sake of our party, please just stop,” Rotheram urged.

Referencing the Hillsborough disaster, Rotheram expressed his readiness to discuss the bravery required to seek justice for victims, emphasizing that real political courage involves standing up for the truth.

New Candidate for Gorton and Denton

As the Labour Party moves forward with its election strategy, it announced that Angeliki Stogia, a Manchester councillor, will be its candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election. In a show of support, Burnham congratulated her via X, stating, “I know you will do a great job. I will be there for you whenever you need me.”

As tensions within the Labour Party continue to rise, the forthcoming by-election will serve as a critical test of party unity and strategy. How effectively Labour manages its internal disputes may significantly influence its electoral prospects in the future.