Andy Burnham is on track to become Prime Minister without a leadership contest, but critics warn he is repeating Keir Starmer's mistakes by failing to communicate effectively with the public. According to a column by Jonathan Walker, Whitehall Editor for Express, Burnham's coronation as Labour leader looks increasingly likely as potential rivals rule themselves out.
No Contest in Sight
Former health secretary Wes Streeting, once expected to stand, now backs Burnham. Keir Starmer's ally Darren Jones also considered running but declared support for Burnham. Only former defence minister Al Carns continues to hint at a possible candidacy. With no contest, Burnham appears set for an uncontested coronation.
Walker argues that this impression of entitlement is damaging. He writes: "The idea that he will just waltz into Downing Street gives the impression that he has a remarkable sense of entitlement." Despite describing Burnham as "a perfectly decent and humble man," Walker says he is not coming across that way.
Fawning MPs, Forgotten Voters
The Spectator magazine reported that after Burnham was sworn in as an MP, an aide took him to Westminster Hall to meet fellow Labour MPs. Burnham peered through the door and said: "Blimey!" A Labour source told the magazine: "Everybody's texting everyone in Team Burnham saying, 'I need to see Andy'."
Walker criticises this focus on internal party dynamics: "They all want to be on Team Burnham. But where are the public in all this? Who is explaining to voters why Mr Burnham is the man to be Prime Minister, and what he has done to deserve the job?"
Lessons from Starmer
Walker draws parallels to Starmer's 2024 premiership, which started with a gloomy speech and the unpopular means-testing of winter fuel payments for the elderly. "It set the wrong tone for his government, and he never really recovered," Walker notes. He warns Burnham is making similar mistakes, not on message but on tone.
Burnham has been running Greater Manchester for nine years and won a by-election, but Walker argues these achievements do not entitle him to the top job without scrutiny. "Plenty of other MPs have also won by-elections," he writes.
A Call for Communication
Walker concludes: "He needs to improve his comms, stop worrying about fawning Labour MPs and start explaining himself to voters." The article suggests Burnham should have encouraged a contest to demonstrate his readiness for the role.
