Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, has faced criticism after announcing a fifth policy reversal in recent weeks. The Labour MP candidate for the Makerfield byelection has been accused of inconsistency after changing his stance on several key issues, including social care funding and Brexit.
Burnham has now signalled he would bring forward reforms to England's social care system if he became prime minister, proposing to accelerate the Casey review from 2028 to 2026. This marks a shift from his previous position, where he had advocated for a 'care levy' to replace inheritance tax. Critics argue that such frequent changes undermine his credibility.
During a campaign event in Makerfield, Burnham also confirmed his intention to run in a future Labour leadership contest, stating he would seek to challenge Sir Keir Starmer if the opportunity arose. This has sparked tensions within the party, with Downing Street insisting that Starmer will not walk away from his mandate.
Burnham defended his record, saying he would not 'flinch' from difficult decisions, but opponents have pointed to his shifting policies on social care, Brexit, and fiscal rules as evidence of a lack of clear direction. The byelection, expected to be closely contested, will test whether voters accept his explanations or see them as opportunism.
