In the build up to the last general election, the Labour party leadership was all about Country First, Party Second. Now it seems it’s Starmer before the country.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, applied to the Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand for the by-election in the Gorton and Denton by-election. The NEC has blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the by-election and put the reason down as to “avoid an unnecessary mayoral election”.

The NEC, of which there are 10 members, voted 8-1 to block Mayor Burnham from standing in the by election.

Sir Keir Starmer was one of those who voted to block it. The deputy leader of the Labour Party, Lucy Powell, was the sole voter in favour.

Mayor Burnham has been seen as a threat to the leadership of the party, and the by-election was seen as a way for Burnham to get into parliament to help with a bid to change the leadership. Of course the only member of the NEC who voted in favour of allowing Burnham to stand, was seen as the candidate for deputy which was anti-starmer.

The truth is Labour would have more than likely won this by-election with Burnham as a candidate. He is a popular politician, everyone on the left is aware he is probably the best chance for Labour to try and change the swell of disapproval against them.

Labour should have allowed him to stand for election, and if he won then get him into the government. As we know in politics, it’s better to have people with you rather than working behind the scenes against you.

Manchester is one of the best places in the UK for investment. Burnham could have brought that experience to the team.

He would have strengthen Starmers team.

They’ve not allowed him in because they know he’s a threat.

But it’s the wrong decision.

For the country’s sake he should have been allowed in.

Country First. Starmer Third.