A fresh poll conducted by Express readers has dealt a significant blow to Andy Burnham, branding him the “biggest threat to Brexit.” The survey, which gathered 2,268 responses, saw 1,386 participants—61%—select the Labour MP as the primary danger to the UK’s departure from the European Union. This places Burnham well ahead of other prominent politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Poll Results and Reader Sentiment
The poll asked which politician poses the greatest threat to Brexit. Andy Burnham topped the list with 61% of the vote. In contrast, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband came second with 548 votes (nearly 24%), while Sir Keir Starmer received only 170 votes (7.5%). Former health secretary Wes Streeting garnered just 87 votes (less than 4%), and former deputy PM Angela Rayner secured 77 votes (around 3%).
Reader comments reflected widespread distrust. One participant remarked: “They’re all two-faced; what they say and what they do are never on the same page.” Another wrote: “1 option missing. All of them.”
Burnham’s Return to Westminster
Burnham returned to Westminster earlier this week after a decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection, where 66% of residents voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. His journey back to Parliament was broadcast live on Monday, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the EU referendum. During his campaign, Burnham rowed back on his previously pro-EU stance, stating he respected the referendum result. However, as recently as last year, he declared he wanted Britain to rejoin the EU. He has repeatedly refused to clarify his Brexit position when asked by the Express.
Brexiteer Warnings and Political Context
Brexiteers have warned that Burnham would pose a “seismic threat” to Brexit if he becomes Prime Minister, as widely expected. The poll results suggest Express readers share this concern. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has pledged a “smooth transition” of power after announcing his resignation in an emotional speech outside Number 10 on Monday. Burnham has been offered Government briefings to prepare for power, following Starmer’s authorization of Civil Service access talks. The two reportedly had a “frosty” face-to-face meeting on Tuesday, their first since Burnham’s return to Westminster.
