ANDY Burnham is set to hold off approving drilling of the North Sea’s Jackdaw gas field until after a by-election.
The PM has been accused of running scared on the decision as the Green Party named leader Zack Polanski as its candidate in the contest.
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A senior Tory also said Mr Burnham was putting his party ahead of the national interest in a bid to avoid blazing rows at the Labour conference later this month.
Whitehall and industry sources now expect the announcement to come after the October 8 vote in Sir Keir Starmer’s old seat.
Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie said: “It is becoming clear that Labour are about to, yet again, delay the decision on Jackdaw — waiting until after the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
“If true, Andy Burnham is guilty of a gross dereliction of duty and is putting the Labour Party’s interest over the national interest.
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“There must be no more delay. Get Britain drilling.”
In a letter to the PM, Mr Bowie added: “It has been understood for some time that a decision is imminent.
“There is no acceptable reason to postpone a decision any further.”
There had been reports the decision could come as early as next week.
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The by-election could prove an early test of Mr Burnham’s popularity.
Mr Polanski said: “We will be using this election as a platform to make it clear that fossil fuels need to stay where they belong — in the ground.”
A Department for Energy Security spokesman said: “The North Sea remains a vital national asset.
“Any decision will take into account all relevant evidence received during the consultation process.”