50 LABOUR MPs PROTEST AGAINST BURNHAM BAN- Several Labour MPs said Burnham’s ban is a “real gift” for Reform UK (PW)

Dozens of Labour MPs have signed a letter objecting to the party leadership blocking Andy Burnham from making a return to Westminster.

Over 50 MPs wrote to Sir Keir Starmer calling for an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to reverse its decision and allow the Mayor of Greater Manchester to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

They told the Prime Minister that there was “no legitimate reason” to block Mr Burnham and asked for the NEC – which includes Starmer – to “re-evaluate” the decision.

The MPs added that blocking him is a “real gift” for Reform UK, after its leader Nigel Farage admitted it would have been “very difficult” to beat Mr Burnham in the by-election.

The Greater Manchester mayor was prevented from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election by Sir Keir and his allies on Sunday.

Critics claimed the Prime Minister’s allies on the NEC stopped Mr Burnham from standing to prevent his return to Westminster and head off a future leadership challenge.