A Labour MP facing suspension is expected to resign, potentially creating an opening for Andy Burnham to re-enter Parliament. Speculation has circulated that Andrew Gwynne might step down and trigger a by-election, despite his previous denials. The Times now suggests that Gwynne will announce his retirement soon.
According to The Guardian, Gwynne has reportedly agreed to retire after being stripped of the Labour whip last year for inappropriate WhatsApp messages. If these reports are accurate, it could signal Burnham’s return and his intention to challenge Keir Starmer.
Burnham, a potential leadership contender, would need to secure a seat in the House of Commons and gain the support of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to become a candidate. Health Secretary Wes Streeting commented on the situation, expressing concern for Gwynne’s health and emphasizing the importance of a strong candidate for any potential by-election.
In a separate development, Burnham criticized Starmer’s leadership team, calling for significant changes within the Labour Party. Referred to as the “King of the North,” Burnham claimed that Labour MPs had urged him to challenge the leadership during the summer.
Despite Gwynne’s repeated dismissal of stepping down, recent events have suggested otherwise. Gwynne faced dismissal as a health minister earlier this year for offensive WhatsApp messages, including derogatory comments about various individuals.
The Mirror has reached out to Gwynne for comment on these developments.