Andy Burnham says he was completely ‘in the dark’ about Andrew Gwynne’s plans amid reports a deal has been reached that may see the MP’s Gorton and Denton seat up for grabs.
The reports have sparked renewed speculation the mayor of Greater Manchester could bag a Parliamentary seat and challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Mr Gwynne, currently suspended from the Labour party following the Trigger Me timbers WhatsApp scandal, previously denied seeking early retirement.
Reports suggest a deal with the party will see him retire early on health grounds, sparking a by-election.
Mr Burnham refused to rule out whether he would stand as a candidate, but told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s not been confirmed to me. I’ve had no contact on this issue with Andrew or anyone close to him. I know him of old of course but I’m as in the dark about this as anyone.
”People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role a Mayor of Greater Manchester and I think the (reindustrialisation) plan I put out this week shows that.”
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