A 25-year-old voter has called on Andy Burnham to make radical and uncomfortable changes to improve the UK, saying living standards have only worsened throughout his adult life.
Writing in an opinion piece, Joshua Whorms said he has watched the high street die, rent prices skyrocket and the cost of living crisis force people to use foodbanks. He said friends have struggled to find work after taking on student debt, and city centres and public transport have become overwhelmed by homeless people in need of support.
Whorms described the state of the UK in 2026 as "a pretty sorry picture", adding that the only positive he can think of is the weather. He said the British public is tired of watching things get worse year after year, and that he wants to be proud of the Britain of today, but that requires uncomfortable changes.
No concern over EU re-entry
Whorms said he does not care about what mandates are required to make change, nor about arguments against building anything in the country. He said he does not mind if Burnham suggests rejoining the EU, and is not angered by the idea of overturning the 2016 Brexit referendum result.
He noted that no one could have predicted the world events that have hit the country and the globe since the 2016 vote, including conflict in the Middle East, COVID and fighting in Ukraine. He said there is no shame in conceding that the UK flying solo was not the smartest idea, and pointed out that no other EU member state has followed the UK's example a decade after Brexit.
Call for radical action
Whorms argued that after a generation of career politicians, the UK needs a bold, radical leader who is not afraid to ruffle feathers. He said he does not care who Burnham might upset, whether by scrapping the triple lock, returning to the EU or clashing with party donors.
He concluded that the UK needs action, that it needs to be radical, and that it needs to happen now, adding that if Burnham is the prime minister to deliver uncomfortable changes, then so be it.
