Andy Burnham has told left-wing backbench Labour MPs that they will be 'seen' and 'listened to' under his incoming administration. He made the commitment during a leadership hustings carried out over Zoom this evening, according to a briefing seen by the Daily Express.
Burnham's Pledge to Change Culture
Mr Burnham, the only candidate in the Labour Leadership election, pledged to create a 'culture where everyone is valued, seen and listened to.' He also urged the country to 'come together' and to 'lead from the front on culture change, political direction and narrative.'
Around 80 Labour MPs have written to Mr Burnham urging him to water down Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's immigration reforms amid fears he will kowtow to leftwing elements of his party. However, the former Manchester Mayor has signalled he will undo the previous style of leadership, including the suspension of MP Karl Turner, who was kicked out for disagreeing on Labour's scrapping of jury trials.
Lack of Media Engagement
Mr Burnham has not taken questions from opposition MPs or the Daily Express. He recently swept to victory in the Makerfield by-election and made a run for No10 as he pitched to become Prime Minister. During the by-election, he repeatedly declined to take questions from the Daily Express and literally ran away when doorstepped about his position on the EU.
It is not clear what the incoming Prime Minister will do on many policy areas, as he has yet to comment publicly on most areas and has ignored questions from the media. Opposition MPs have urged him to extend the parliamentary sitting by an extra day so they have a chance to question him.
Call for Unity
Labour MPs have asked the incoming Prime Minister to avoid 'narrow factionalism' in his party, which has previously seen MPs suspended for disagreeing with the boss. Mr Burnham's pledge to listen to left-wing backbenchers marks a significant shift from the previous leadership style.
