Was Starmer right to block Burnham’s attempt to stand in the by-election? Readers discuss

Readers discuss Andy Burnham’s attempt to stand in the by-election, Boris Johnson’s legacy and the ‘manipulations’ of Donald Trump (Picture: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images) Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments Starmer was 'absolutely right', says reader The prime minister and Labour’s NEC were absolutely right to block Andy Burnham’s attempt to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election (Metro, Mon). Mr Burnham has repeatedly said he wants to continue the ‘important work’ he is doing as mayor of Greater Manchester. So it is hard to see why he would abandon that for a return to Westminster– especially when it would have triggered a costly, unplanned mayoral election. But then, of course, this is all about his ambition to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. As a young voter, I am also uneasy about Mr Burnham’s comments on government being ‘in hock to the bond markets’ and the fact that he has been backed by Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow chancellor John McDonnell, whose economic ideas continue to worry many of us who want stability, not ideology, from those in positions of power. Sir Keir and his cabinet already have a difficult job navigating national challenges. The last thing they need is senior figures treating elected roles as stepping stones. Mr Burnham was elected to serve Manchester and that is where his focus should remain. Raza Hussain, London This reader says the decision was justified (Picture: Stefan Rousseau-WPA Pool/Getty Images) This reader disagrees… Sir Keir must think we were all born yesterday, citing money as why he and his cronies have blocked Andy Burnham’s route back to becoming an MP – the real reason is the PM sees the Greater Manchester mayor as a threat. Andy Burnham looks the part and talks the part. He is respected for the work he has done in Manchester. And when he says he likes bands like The Smiths, The Stone Roses or The Jam, you believe him. When Sir Keir says it, you don’t. Dec, Essex ‘Aptitude at city level doesn’t automatically translate at national level’, says reader I am not a fan of Sir Keir nor a Labour supporter but they were right to block Mr Burnham in his ambitions. There are four points that demonstrate Burnham’s political naivety. With Labour’s huge Commons majority, losing a by-election and an MP would mean nothing compared with the risk of losing the Greater Manchester mayoralty to Nigel Farage’s Reform if Mr Burnham did quit. Then there is the fact that aptitude at city level doesn’t automatically translate to national level, as Boris Johnson proved. Thirdly, Labour currently doesn’t know what it stands for, other than what it isn’t – making Sir Keir its perfect leader. And lastly, it is bad timing to threaten Sir Keir’s position after he only recently put on a masterclass in political manoeuvres by being in the room, or in high stakes international negotiations, with the arch manipulator, Donald Trump. Peter, London This reader questions if Burnham would be right as leader (Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Arrow MORE: The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables Arrow MORE: What is happening in Iran – and why could Trump getting involved backfire? Arrow MORE: China executes mafia family that duped internet users into fake romances Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!

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