EXTRA: Why Andy Burnham was blocked by Keir Starmer
Electoral Dysfunction
Sky News
4.4 • 764 Ratings
🗓️ 26 January 2026
⏱️ 25 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Andy Burnham came across as "entitled", according to Harriet Harman, when he went on social media after Keir Starmer blocked him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. So what actually happened behind the scenes?
This mini episode is your quick guide to the political chaos of the past 48 hours. Why did Mr Burnham try to get back into parliament and why did Labour’s leadership move to stop him? What does it mean for Starmer's authority, the looming by-election, and Labour's battle with Reform?
Plus, as we go into the studio to record, there's another major Conservative defection - former home secretary Suella Braverman - to Reform. What's going on in the Conservative Party? And do Ruth Davidson and Andy Street have the answer?
You can WhatsApp the podcast at 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.
Remember, you can also watch Beth, Harriet and Ruth on YouTube.
Transcript
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| 0:59.9 | Hello and welcome to electoral dysfunction with me, Beth Rigby. |
| 1:08.2 | Mirith Davidson and me, Harriet Harman. |
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