Labour’s NEC approves Burnham’s byelection pathway back to parliament

Party's governing body allows Greater Manchester mayor to run for selection as candidate in Makerfield

Andy Burnham has cleared the first hurdle as he seeks to become an MP again after Labour's governing body said it would approve his request to stand in the candidate selection process for the upcoming Makerfield byelection.

The Greater Manchester mayor still has two years of his term remaining, which means there will need to be a mayoral byelection if he stands. Under Labour rules, sitting mayors need the approval of the national executive committee (NEC) to stand for Westminster. He would also need to be formally selected.