Andy Burnham has finally broken his silence hours after Keir Starmer brutally blocked him from standing as an MP in the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. Mr Burnham's comments came five hours after news broke that Labour's ruling executive committee voted 8-1 against him being allowed to apply to be the party's candidate. 

Taking to X, Mr Burnham said: "I am disappointed by today’s NEC decision and concerned about its potential impact on the important elections ahead of us. To whoever is Labour’s candidate and to our members in Manchester and Tameside: you will have my full support and I will be there whenever you need me."

The news from Labour's NEC came after an emergency meeting that lasted just under 45 minutes, in which Sir Keir Starmer personally led the charge to block Mr Burnham's return to Westminster.

The meeting, which lasted just under an hour, saw the panel of Keir Starmer loyalists vote in favour of blocking Mr Burnham from applying for the Labour candidacy.

The small clique insists that the refusal is down to fears about the cost of having to hold a by-election for Metro Mayor of Manchester should Mr Burnham be permitted to stand for parliament, a by-election Reform UK could win.

An NEC source told the Express that Keir Starmer personally led the charge to shoot down Mr Burnham's MP ambitions, speaking first and voting against letting his prime rival return to Westminster.

The source said: "Keir was there and led from the front. He took up the mantel and even the most sceptical about Keir were very impressed.

"The Prime Minister argued that we couldn't risk a by-election in Greater Manchester [for mayor], and that the psychodrama from the last 48 hours had not been helpful."

While Sir Keir repeated that Mr Burnham was a "great mayor doing a great job", he barely addressed him by name for the remainder of his remarks.

The news sparked instant fury from Labour MPs, who went public with their attacks on Sir Keir and the clique governing the party.

John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor, said: “Message to Keir: Do not underestimate the depth of anger people will feel about this disgusting decision.

“If you think it strengthens you I tell you it will simply hasten your demise. You could have shown magnanimous leadership but instead it’s cowardice.”

Middlesborough MP Andy McDonald blasted: “This is completely outrageous. It should be for the members to decide who stands in this by election.

“I’m afraid the NEC and the control freaks have made a catastrophic mistake and they have massively miscalculated the damage this will cause.”

Left-winger Richard Burgon added: “Keir Starmer and his clique have shown they’re prepared to lose Gorton and Denton to Reform - just to protect narrow factional interests.

“It's weak leadership - and will only deepen the crisis the party is in.”