Andy Burnham.

 The popular mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, has been blocked from standing as an MP. The reason given by the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party - is that it would be a ‘distraction’. In addition it was seen as a potential threat to the prime minister and leadership of the party. Unfortunately this myopic decision - makes Starmer and his cronies look weak. He is an increasingly unpopular and isolated figure for the - rank and file of the party. He may have saved his skin in the - short term, but by not having a leadership battle - will in the long term undermine his credibility.