# Burnham blocked: Has Starmer messed up?

An episode of [Politics Weekly UK](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/136697472), 26 Jan 2026, 20 min.

Audio: https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2026/01/26-47248-Burnham_blocked_Has_Starmer_messed_up_.mp3

The Labour party has once again been plunged into turmoil after the NEC blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton byelection. Will the row quickly fade, or does it risk piling further pressure on the prime minister? Meanwhile, Pippa Crerar will be joining Keir Starmer on his trip to China – but can he focus on diplomacy abroad, or will the Westminster psychodrama continue to overshadow the visit?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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