ANGELA Rayner will throw her support behind Andy Burnham as the “King of the North” looks set for a sensational Commons return.
But the Greater Manchester mayor has just hours to officially launch his bid and get approval from the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Keir Starmer‘s former right-hand woman is set to publicly back Burnham’s bid at Labour’s North West regional conference, The Sun understands.
And Rayner’s endorsement could prove vital for the former Health Secretary, who has until 5pm today to seek approval from the NEC.
Mr Burnham previously served as an MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017.
And an application to stand in the looming by-election for the Gorton and Denton seat will have to be submitted by midnight tomorrow.
The seat in Greater Manchester was opened up after shamed ex-minister Andrew Gwynne resigned on health grounds.
Loyalists of the Prime Minister are currently split over whether they try to block the Manchester Mayor from becoming an MP.
But there are growing fears that would spark a fresh bout of infighting.
Rayner’s replacement, Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell, has also weighed in on the debate.
Speaking at the Fabian Society conference in London, she said his decision to stand in the by-election “should be up to Andy and the local members”.
But allies of Sir Keir Starmer are so desperate to block Mr Burnham becoming an MP, they have suggested Gary Neville should stand instead.
Senior figures discussed convincing the Manchester United legend to be their candidate for the upcoming by-election.
Sources say it illustrates how keen Downing Street is to stop Mr Burnham, with some of the PM’s allies on the NEC also vowing to block a return.
They are hoping to avoid giving him a route back to Westminster where he can challenge Sir Keir for the leadership.
But left-wing pals of the Mayor of Greater Manchester said it would be a “democratic outrage” if he is stopped from standing.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “It would be a democratic outrage if Andy Burnham was blocked from seeking selection.”
And Jo White, leader of the Red Wall MPs’ group, warned “a London stitch-up will be a disaster for Labour”.
Mr Burnham previously said he was focused on his current role and “people shouldn’t rush to conclusions”.
Mr Gwynne had been sitting as an Independent MP after being sacked over offensive WhatsApp messages.
He reportedly “joked” on WhatsApp that he hoped a pensioner constituent died before the next election.
It triggered a by-election that could coincide with local elections on May 7, which are expected to be terrible for Labour.
Rumours the “King of the North” is planning a bombshell comeback have been swirling for months.
It is slowly becoming a nightmare for No10 and Sir Keir, whose poll ratings have plummeted since the election.
He is now the most unpopular Prime Minister ever – and Downing Street is reportedly braced for a coup plot.
It raises the stakes on his “reset” — and makes the chances of a leadership challenge this year more likely.
Insiders say Labour rebel Jim McMahon told colleagues a deal was “sewn up”.
He is said to have outlined the details to about half a dozen Labour MPs in the House of Commons tearoom.
A Labour source told The Sun on Sunday: “He was boasting in the tearoom saying that a deal has all been sewn up.
Burnham by-election breakdown – what you need to know
What Happened?
Andrew Gwynne stood down as the independent MP for Gorton & Denton on health grounds, triggering a by-election.
Andy Burnham is weighing up whether to use the contest as a route back to Westminster.
What Happens Next?
• Parliament formally moves to call a by-election, expected later this spring and possibly to coincide with May 7 local elections.
• Labour launches its candidate selection process for the seat.
• Other parties line up challengers, with Reform preparing to target the vote.
The Hurdles Burnham Faces
• Must quit as Mayor: Burnham cannot stand as an MP while remaining Greater Manchester Mayor. Running would mean resigning and potentially triggering a separate mayoral election.
• Party rule barrier: Labour’s National Executive Committee must approve any sitting mayor seeking a Commons seat.
• Shortlist risk: Labour could impose an all-women shortlist, which would block Burnham entirely.
• Internal resistance: Some figures close to the leadership are wary of Burnham’s return, seeing him as a future leadership rival.
Next Stages
1. By-election date confirmed.
2. Labour selection contest opens.
3. Candidates campaign locally.
4. Polling day delivers the result — winner takes the Commons seat.
Whose backing he would need
• Labour NEC: Essential sign-off to allow him to stand.
• Trade unions: Support from major unions, including Fire Brigades Union, would strengthen his case inside the party.
• Local party members: They help decide the Labour candidate if the contest is opened.
• MP allies: If Burnham harbours leadership ambitions, he would need backing from a significant bloc of Labour MPs after returning to Parliament.
“Gwynne is stepping down in March and Andy will run in May.
“After months of talk it looks like they are on.”
Mr McMahon was Angela Rayner’s number two in the Housing Department and is a former Starmer loyalist.
But he became a critic of the PM after being sacked in a reshuffle last year.
He is one of the “Manchester Mafia”, whose plot to install Mr Burnham as PM is dubbed the “Etihad Coup” after Man City’s stadium.
Rayner — who sensationally quit over underpaying stamp duty — has herself been touted as a possible kingmaker in a future leadership contest
