Labour live: MP quits paving way for Andy Burnham sensational return to Parliament

Labour MP Josh Simons announced his resignation from Parliament to pave the way for Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to return as a Member of Parliament. Burnham confirmed he will seek permission from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to contest the Makerfield by-election, where Simons won in 2024 with a majority of under 6,000 votes. Burnham emphasized his deep connection to the area, stating he left Westminster a decade ago due to its failure to serve regions like Greater Manchester. Simons’ resignation follows a letter to constituents where he criticized Westminster’s ‘managed decline’ of towns and called for urgent reform. He urged Labour to break from incremental politics and deliver bold change. Burnham thanked Simons for the ‘sacrifice’ and framed his potential return as an opportunity to strengthen the party amid recent local election losses and internal dissent. The move comes as Labour faces pressure after Wes Streeting’s resignation and calls from dozens of MPs, including four ministers like Jess Phillips, for Keir Starmer to step down. Burnham’s bid requires NEC approval, which previously blocked his attempt to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February. His campaign centers on addressing regional neglect and restoring trust in Labour’s leadership. Angela Rayner has not ruled out challenging Starmer, though she dismissed triggering a leadership contest. Streeting’s resignation letter cited the government’s unpopularity and Starmer’s ‘heavy-handed’ approach to dissent. Burnham’s potential return signals a shift in Labour’s strategy ahead of the by-election, with Simons’ departure framed as a deliberate effort to unite the party under a renewed mandate.