After the painful experience of Keir Starmer's leadership, the left should approach Andy Burnham with caution, argues Owen Jones. With the Greens emerging as a viable alternative, Labour cannot win without progressive voters, but they must earn that support.
Burnham as Labour's Best Bet?
Burnham is Labour's most popular politician and best placed to win back voters lost to the Greens and Reform. He has a northern charm and progressive achievements as Greater Manchester's mayor, but he has avoided national controversies. The left must ensure he is not another ruse.
The First Test: Political Journey
Burnham, a former Blairite who voted for the Iraq war, shifted left under Ed Miliband but in 2015 attacked the mansion tax and abstained on benefit cuts, handing the leadership to Jeremy Corbyn. Now he says Britain has been on the wrong path for 40 years, renouncing Thatcherism and New Labour. He champions public control of energy, housing, water, and transport, but the definition matters. Public control must mean democratic public ownership, not just regulation.
Housing Record Under Scrutiny
In Greater Manchester, most buses remain privately owned despite the Bee Network. On housing, over half of loans from the Housing Investment Loans Fund went to developer Renaker, building luxury flats with little affordable housing. Only 503 affordable units were built, and Burnham promised 10,000 council homes but built only 10 in the first year. He must explain how he will deliver better outcomes nationally.
Foreign Policy and Gaza
In 2015, Burnham condemned spitefulness towards Israel, ignoring its occupation and apartheid. He later supported a ceasefire in Gaza and recognised Palestine, but he must clarify if he believes Israel committed war crimes and genocide, and whether he will impose sanctions and end arms sales. Many former Labour voters abandoned the party on this issue.
Electoral Reform and EU Stance
Burnham has committed to proportional representation, possibly after a general election, but needs to specify the system. He has renounced rejoining the EU, citing his seat in Makerfield, a leave constituency, raising concerns about ideological firmness. His comment on bond markets caused confusion, and his association with Josh Simons, a key Starmer ally, is worrying.
Burnham may be a sincere progressive, but the left must demand clear answers. If he delivers electoral reform, the left can realise his potential and counter the Farageist threat. But the left must be listened to, not swindled again.
