If Burnham had stood in the Gorton and Denton by-election, he would have had to step down as Greater Manchester mayor.
Labour said at the time that the party had decided to deny him permission to stand to “avoid an unnecessary mayoral election, which would use substantial amounts of taxpayers’ money and resources”.
However, many in the party believed Burnham was blocked because of fears he could challenge Sir Keir for the party leadership if he became an MP.
Speaking to the House Magazine, Nandy said: “He’s a friend of mine. He’s my mayor, and he was my neighbouring MP for seven years.
“I think he’s a huge asset to the party. And I’ve said before, I’ll say again, I’ll support him in whatever he wants to do.”
She also argued that party members should be “allowed to make their own choices about who they want to be their candidates in elections – I’ve always thought that right.
“And while I respect the views of colleagues on the national executive committee, I… had I been sitting in that seat – is that what you’re asking me, what I would have voted? Yeah, I would have voted to allow him to stand.”
“I do understand the argument that he’s the mayor of Greater Manchester, and he’s a very good mayor, and he’s got a term to see out.”