Fresh divisions have emerged within the Labour party after the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in a parliamentary by-election in Greater Manchester. The move, approved by Labour’s National Executive Committee, has triggered a strong backlash from MPs, party activists and trade unions. Unison general secretary Andrea Egan warned Keir Starmer that the party risked damaging itself through excessive central control and intolerance of internal dissent. Writing publicly, she accused the leadership of factionalism and called for a radical change in direction to prevent further electoral losses. More than fifty Labour MPs from across the party have expressed concern, with local activists also demanding the decision be reversed. Critics argue the move undermines democratic accountability and weakens Labour’s position in a once-safe seat now vulnerable to Reform UK and the Greens. Breaking news: Andy Burnham has said he will accept the Labour decision even though it was hard to take. See