Andy Burnham's highly publicised return to Westminster on Monday has been met with euphoria from Labour MPs, but a closer look at the faces around him reveals a troubling alignment with Ed Miliband's inner circle. Political correspondent Aaron Newbury reports that the presence of key Miliband allies in Burnham's team signals a potential acceleration of net zero policies, raising concerns for voters already burdened by soaring energy bills.
Miliband's Allies Take Key Roles
Among those accompanying Burnham on his train journey from Manchester to London was Abby Tomlinson, the founder of the 2015 'Milifandom' movement. Now in her late twenties, Tomlinson was photographed at Burnham's side, suggesting her allegiance to Miliband has been redirected to support the presumed next prime minister.
Additionally, Grace Pritchard, Burnham's new spokeswoman, orchestrated his staged 'class photo' with Labour MPs upon arrival. Newbury spotted Pritchard warmly greeting Ed Miliband as he entered the photo, having previously served as a special advisor to the Net Zero minister. These appointments, according to Newbury, indicate a concerted effort to embed Miliband's allies within Burnham's administration.
Net Zero Acceleration Fears
The integration of these figures raises questions about the direction of Burnham's energy policy. Newbury warns that if Miliband's allies gain influence, net zero targets could be accelerated further, regardless of the impact on household finances and British industry. 'That is what should concern voters already weary of soaring energy bills and a war on North Sea oil and gas,' he writes.
Burnham's return has been characterised as a 'coronation' by some, but the presence of these advisors suggests a continuity with Miliband's agenda. Newbury notes that the British public is entitled to ask who will be whispering in Burnham's ear and whether those whispers have been heard before.
