The Political Committee of the Workers Party on 23 and 30 June discussed the ongoing impact of the Andy Burnham win in Makerfield. These discussions followed our formal request on 19 June that George Galloway run as our candidate in the Manchester Mayoral contest.

George's candidacy rested on many factors; not least an undertaking from the British State not to use counter-terrorism legislation to seize him should he return to Britain. No undertaking has been received.

The Burnham Bounce factor, coupled with Labour's decision to force an immediate contest, gives other parties ourselves included no time to prepare for the fight, raise funds, and campaign in the middle of summer with a vote during school summer holidays. For that reason we have not entered a candidate.

It is our belief that all energies must now go in to preparations for the next General Election. The Burnham Coronation is imminent, a win for Labour in Manchester may tempt Labour to call an early General Election. In light of this the Workers Party has reopened our application process and is inviting prospective parliamentary candidates to register with us as soon as possible.