The Times reports that Andrew Gwynne is soon to make an announcement – the likely result being his resignation as an MP. That would trigger a by-election in Gorton and Denton, giving Andy Burnham a shot. If the National Executive Committee doesn’t prevent his selection…
Guido first reported on this possibility back in August which kicked everything off. He has denied it consistently since then…
The Times has received a government briefing which says Gwynne is in payout negotiations with parliament. Guido hears he has been working out how his taking a medical resignation will work for some time. Sources close to Gwynne say he’s explored a medical assessment to provide a diagnosis of mental unwellness and was awaiting an early retirement to be signed off by pension officials. Things coming to a head now…
There is still no public result of the Parliamentary standards investigation into Gwynne, which was launched in February last year after some distasteful WhatsApp messages were leaked. Expect one shortly…
Meanwhile the pound is falling as the shadow of Andy Burnham looms over Downing Street. Here we go…
UPDATE: A big government briefing effort to Lobby hacks is currently underway as Labour attempts to dissuade Burnham from taking the plunge. An NEC source tells Guido on Burnham:
“He can’t help himself… the party hasn’t forgotten about his shenanigans in September. He will put his name forward, but the NEC will almost certainly block him. The way he behaved in September was disgraceful… It’s mad, we’re not going to use that money to placate one man’s ego.“
Burnham needs the NEC’s permission to stand (and stand down as Manchester mayor). A mayoral election will cost the party £2 million according to them. So they will say no…
UPDATE II: A Reform spokesman tells Guido: “If the by-election happens, then Reform will throw everything at it. It’s a huge ask for anyone to beat Labour in Manchester but we will give it our all.”
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