Andy Burnham has a secret weapon that has propelled him to the forefront of British politics – a people-over-party approach that has won over even Conservative voters. However, according to Express columnist and Conservative councillor Mieka Smiles, he risks destroying that advantage with a single move: a planned left-wing takeover of the Labour Party.
Putting Manchester First
Smiles recalls seeing Burnham speak at a Conservative Party Conference fringe event years ago. The Labour Greater Manchester mayor passionately discussed the opportunities and challenges facing his region, urging the then-Conservative government to help it thrive. What struck her most was that he seemed more interested in promoting Manchester than promoting Labour. He genuinely put the city first.
This attitude, Smiles argues, is what Burnham shares with successful regional mayors across party lines, such as Teesside's Conservative mayor Lord Ben Houchen, who also prioritises his area over party politics. Burnham has even adopted Conservative measures when they benefit his patch, championing Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) to unlock regeneration in struggling areas.
How People-Over-Politics Won Makerfield
It is this pragmatic, non-tribal approach that clinched Burnham's extraordinary win in the Makerfield constituency. However, reports suggest that the new hopeful PM is planning a rabid left-wing takeover of the Labour party. Smiles warns that stepping away from the approach that has served him so well would be very foolish.
She also cautions Burnham not to forget the North, particularly the Red Wall seats that turned Conservative under Boris Johnson. Johnson promised to “Get Brexit done,” but his popularity endured because he never forgot those voters. Both Johnson and his successor Rishi Sunak maintained support for the region through freeports, relocating part of the Treasury to a northern town, and investing heavily in regeneration projects like those in Middlesbrough.
A To-Do List as Long as a Queue for Oasis Tickets
Right now, Burnham’s to-do list will be extensive. Smiles offers advice: keep doing what made people vote for you. Fight for places outside the Westminster bubble and put people ahead of Labour tribalism. The moment he forgets is the moment his greatest political strength evaporates.
In other columns, Smiles criticises the payment of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to expats living in countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France, calling it the “Costa Del Dole.” She also celebrates her official transition into middle age, confirmed when she used an app called Merlin Bird ID to identify ten bird species in her garden, a recommendation from Jeremy Clarkson.
