Labour MP Torcuil Crichton shouted "Not now, Andy" during the traditional summons to the House of Lords on May 7, 2024 [2].
The remark highlights internal friction and speculation regarding the leadership ambitions of Andy Burnham, who has been linked to potential challenges within the party.
The incident occurred in the House of Commons during the ceremony preceding the King's Speech. By tradition, Black Rod summons MPs to the Lords after knocking on the Commons' door three times [1, 3]. As the knock occurred, Crichton directed the jibe toward the reported intentions of Burnham to return to Parliament.
According to reports, the comment was a joke referencing Burnham's alleged desire to challenge the Prime Minister for leadership [4]. The moment captured the tension surrounding Labour's internal dynamics, using a solemn constitutional ritual as a backdrop for political satire.
"Not now, Andy," Crichton said [5].
The tradition of the Black Rod's summons is a strictly choreographed event. The door is slammed in the official's face to symbolize the independence of the Commons before the MPs eventually follow the official to the other chamber [3]. Crichton's interruption broke the silence of the proceedings to address the rumored leadership turmoil [4].
“"Not now, Andy"”
The use of a high-profile constitutional ceremony to air internal grievances suggests a lack of cohesion within the Labour party's ranks. By publicly mocking Burnham's rumored ambitions, Crichton signaled that the party's internal power struggles are visible even during the most formal state events.
