Brexiteers have warned that Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister poses a 'seismic threat' to Britain's vote to leave the European Union. The Greater Manchester Mayor surged back into Parliament with a thumping by-election win in Makerfield, widely seen as a launchpad for a tilt at Sir Keir Starmer's job.
The prospect of Mr Burnham, a committed Remainer who last year declared he wanted Britain to rejoin the EU, reaching No10 has sent a chill through the Leave movement. Mr Burnham has repeatedly refused to answer questions about his Brexit position, jogging away when confronted directly.
Brexit Campaigners Respond
Former MEP David Campbell-Bannerman warned Mr Burnham was a far more dangerous opponent than Sir Keir, possessing a 'revolutionary zeal' that pro-Brexit campaigners must confront head-on. He said Brexiteers needed to 'unite and sell Brexit opportunities harder' and rebut what he called 'Project Mislead' claims.
Mark Francois, chairman of the European Research Group, struck a defiant tone: 'It would be churlish not to congratulate Andy Burnham on a clear victory in Makerfield - but that doesn't give him a mandate to press for his long-held desire to rejoin the EU.'
Constituency Context
Sixty-six percent of people in the Makerfield seat voted to leave the EU. Mr Burnham has said rejoining was 'not on the ballot' this election, but has previously expressed a desire for the UK to rejoin in his lifetime. Mr Francois added: 'I don't know if Andy Burnham will ever become PM - but I do know he'd be very foolish to ever try and return us to the tutelage of Brussels.'
Mr Burnham dramatically rowed back on his pro-EU stance during the campaign, insisting he respected the referendum result. The Daily Express has campaigned for Brexit since 2010.
