Andy Burnham faced a turbulent day as he made his first major Brexit test, drawing criticism from political rivals and raising questions about his fitness for leadership. The Prime Minister, known for his charm and self-deprecation, has been seen as a step up from Keir Starmer, but doubts are emerging about his ability to handle tough decisions.
Burnham's Brexit Claim Draws Fire
Burnham claimed that Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum, saying he was given a “clear answer” that it did. However, he offered no public evidence or detailed explanation to back up the assertion. The Head of MI5 said in 2018 there was no evidence of such interference, and the 2020 parliamentary intelligence report criticised the failure to investigate possible Russian interference but did not suggest Moscow had changed the result.
The claim handed Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage an opportunity to attack, with Johnson saying the PM's “lies have come back to him” and Farage branding the claim “outrageous,” adding: “The Prime Minister is a liar.”
Reopening a Divisive Debate
Burnham also told MPs that “no one in the House today is proposing a referendum,” before saying the country had to “look at the options.” While he may not be proposing an immediate vote, he is blatantly reopening a debate he promised Makerfield voters would remain closed.
During the by-election, Burnham said Britain would be stuck in a “permanent rut” if it kept rerunning Brexit arguments. He was right. Now he has fallen into that rut, and could be permanently stuck there.
Concerns Over Leadership
Burnham promised a “new path which brings the country back together,” then reopened the most divisive political debate of the Millennium. Critics argue that his charm and desire to please are useful qualities, but they become liabilities when tough decisions are needed. His promises of more public spending, more nationalisation, more social security, and more EU are seen by some as unaffordable and unrealistic.
The PM's actions have led to concerns that he may not make a very good PM, with some suggesting he might even be a terrible one. The reopening of Brexit is seen as a recipe for trouble, and this is only the start of the chaos.
