The Story Starmer v the ‘King of the North’ - who really won?
Jan 27, 2026
Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent for The Times, offers sharp analysis of the Starmer–Burnham clash. He unpacks the NEC decision, the timing and risks of a Gorton by-election, and why May’s polls are the real leadership test. He also explores internal rivals like Wes Streeting and the danger of a split left.
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Starmer Used Party Rules To Shut Burnham Out
- Keir Starmer used party machinery to block Andy Burnham returning to Parliament.
- The move signals control but fuels internal criticism and questions about leadership style.
MPs Launched A Coordinated Campaign
- Aubrey describes a sudden, concerted wall of briefings from MPs against Andy Burnham.
- Many MPs felt relief that the row was nipped in the bud despite some lingering unhappiness.
NEC Rules Gave Starmer Tactical Leverage
- Labour's NEC enforces selection rules requiring senior elected officials to seek authorisation to run.
- That bureaucratic rule gave Starmer the leverage to block Burnham by an 8-1 NEC vote.
