Norwich MP Clive Lewis says offer to let Andy Burnham contest his seat was 'hypothetical'
Mr Lewis says he has no plans to stand down.
Norwich South MP Clive Lewis has backtracked on his earlier suggestion that he might step down from his seat in Parliament to pave the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster.
On Wednesday, during an appearance on BBC Politics Live, Lewis commented that he could give up his seat to allow Burnham to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. Hours later, he clarified that his remarks were “hypothetical."
“I have no plans to stand down," Lewis said. "A hypothetical question was put to me, and my answer was consistent with what I have been saying – that I am serious about putting country before party.”
Earlier in the day, Mr Lewis indicated he would be willing to stand aside for Burnham. Speaking on the programme, he explained: “Do you know what? If I’m going to sit here and say country before party, party before personal ambition, then yes, I have to say yes, don’t I.”
His comments, widely reported and debated, led to accusations of "grandstanding" from critics online who were sceptical about whether he would actually follow through. Others pointed out that Lewis would not have the power to directly select his replacement, and there was no guarantee Labour would win the resulting by-election with support for Reform and the Green Party rising in the polls.
Mr Lewis has long been vocal in his criticism of Sir Keir and has advocated for a leadership change, backing Andy Burnham as a potential successor.
Although Andy Burnham has expressed support for colleagues urging him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer, he stated in September that he had “no intention of abandoning Manchester.”
However, for Burnham to mount a challenge, he would need to become a sitting MP—prompting speculation about his return to the Commons.
Clive Lewis first secured the Norwich South seat in 2015 and increased his majority to over 13,000 votes in the last general election. With his latest clarification, it appears Lewis will not relinquish his seat for Burnham.