Labour MPs are warning of divisions within the party over a number of key issues, in a blow to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. A civil war within the top ranks of Labour is said to be brewing over several key issues.
Ministers are reportedly increasingly concerned by what comes next after Mr Burnham’s Labour Party conference speech, where he set out his radical plan to overhaul Britain. Many left-wing commentators were buoyed by the speech, while the Prime Minister received some 11 standing ovations in the Liverpool conference hall.
Concerns over cost of living and Brexit
Despite the seemingly overwhelming positive reception, Labour MPs are said to be bracing themselves for division over issues including the cost of living and Brexit. Mr Burnham has announced moves to give people “breathing space” on rising costs, but there are said to be concerns within Labour over whether the Government should do more.
Behind closed doors, some cabinet ministers have voiced worries about Chancellor John Healey’s conference speech, which focused on fiscal responsibility and the “moral duty” to tackle welfare, reports The Times. According to the newspaper, they said the address “underwhelmed” and lacked detail on the cost of living and growth.
Budget and Brexit stance
Mr Healey is set to unveil his first budget later this month, with extra help for households and businesses rumoured. There are also said to be concerns that Mr Burnham’s stance on Brexit, as well as plans for electoral reform and scrapping the triple lock, could harm Labour in the next general election.
In an interview after his conference speech, the PM admitted he could go “all the way” and propose rejoining the European Union. He said he would look at the “pros and cons” of all options as he considers Britain’s future relationship with Brussels.
Reform UK fears and triple lock risk
The comments sparked fury among Brexiteers after Mr Burnham said he did not want to “rerun” the Brexit debate during his Makerfield by-election campaign. Some Labour MPs, especially those in red wall seats, fear this could help increase support for Reform UK, according to The Times.
One cabinet member told the newspaper they feared Mr Burnham was “bringing back the Brexit wars” and that it could be costly for Labour. Meanwhile, a former Downing Street official said Mr Burnham’s plan to reform the triple lock from 2030 is a “significant risk”.
The Express is backing pensioners on the issue through its Save Our Pension Triple Lock campaign. The Labour leader is proposing to scrap the policy to free up funds for NHS-style social care. Several cabinet members are also said to be against Mr Burnham’s proposal to change the country’s voting system.
