Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has introduced a potential 10-year strategy to bring the water industry back under public ownership, asserting that significant reform is necessary to prioritise the public interest over private gain.
Staged Approach to Nationalisation
Speaking during his campaign for the Makerfield by-election, Mr Burnham clarified that he does not advocate for immediate, full renationalisation due to its complexity and cost. Instead, he proposes a phased implementation tailored to different regions. He told reporters: "It's not an industry that's run in the public interest... these are industries run with private vested interest, but the public have no choice but to use them, and therefore they're trapped, and it's just not fair."
He emphasised the need for "substantial reform" through a 10-year plan of increased public control and ownership. "I don't think you nationalise the whole thing necessarily straight off, because that's complicated and probably expensive, but you look at the different situations in different parts of the country," he said. For instance, he noted that Thames Water presents a strong case for public ownership to resolve its issues, while other areas might follow a different timetable.
Public Frustration and Flooding Concerns
Soaring water bills, sewage spills, and supply disruptions have fuelled public anger toward water companies. Mr Burnham also highlighted the need for substantial infrastructure investment in Makerfield to mitigate flood risks, having spoken to affected residents.
Political Implications
Mr Burnham, a former cabinet minister, has framed his by-election campaign as a vote to "change Labour." He is widely expected to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he returns to Westminster, though he has ruled out calling a snap election if he becomes prime minister. Sir Keir has pledged to campaign for the Labour candidate, but Mr Burnham remained noncommittal about the timing of his visit.
He described the by-election as a "change by-election," focusing on reforming politics rather than traditional point-scoring against the Tories or Reform. He noted that the local elections in May sent a "very big message" that voters are "not happy" and feel the party is "out of touch."
Welfare Reform Views
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Burnham expressed support for significant welfare reform, agreeing with Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden that the focus should not be solely on taxing to pay benefits. He criticised the Department for Work and Pensions for not supporting people into work.
He sidestepped questions about his leadership ambitions and declined to confirm whether he would serve in Sir Keir's cabinet if elected. Mr Burnham is one of 14 candidates in the by-election, triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. The contest is expected to be tight between Mr Burnham and Reform UK's candidate, Robert Kenyon, a local plumber and councillor.
