Andy Burnham has long been regarded as one of the most compelling figures in British politics — a politician whose authority is rooted as much in conviction as in connection. Recently, Burnham was blocked from standing as a candidate in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election after Labour’s ruling body declined to grant approval. As a directly elected mayor, he was required to seek permission from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which cited the desire to “avoid an unnecessary mayoral election” and the associated cost to taxpayers.