Andy Burnham's highly anticipated return to Westminster on June 22, 2026, was marked by a carefully staged class photo with Labour MPs, but the most revealing detail was the company he kept. Among those surrounding the presumed next Prime Minister were two key figures with close ties to Ed Miliband: Abby Tomlinson, creator of the 2015 "Milifandom" movement, and Grace Pritchard, Burnham's new spokeswoman and former special advisor to the Net Zero minister.
Miliband's Allies Take Centre Stage
Tomlinson, now a political aide, was photographed accompanying Burnham on his train journey from Manchester to London. Pritchard, who choreographed the class photo, was seen warmly greeting Ed Miliband as he joined the picture. Political correspondent Aaron Newbury noted that these individuals represent an operation forming around Burnham, staffed by those committed to the architect of the Government's net zero policies.
Implications for Net Zero and British Industry
According to Newbury, the presence of Miliband's allies raises concerns that net zero targets will be accelerated further, regardless of the cost to household finances and British industry. Voters already weary of soaring energy bills and the war on North Sea oil and gas should be alarmed. The British public is entitled to ask who will be whispering in Burnham's ear, and whether those whispers are familiar.
