Andy Burnham has been criticised for inviting only the parties most likely to agree to his social care talks, leaving Reform UK and the Greens outside. Aaron Newbury argues the Prime Minister's strategy is transparent and naïve.
Excluded parties and timing criticised
Burnham issued invitations when MPs are not in Westminster, meaning the Conservatives had to send a substitute. Sir Ed Davey, who has personal experience with carers' struggles, was unable to attend. A Conservative source said it was 'almost like it's only being done for show'.
Reform UK and Greens left out
Reform UK, polling in second place, did not receive an invitation. The Green Party, gaining support among younger voters, was also excluded. Newbury argues this excludes about 40% of the country's voters from the room.
Lack of detail on plan
Despite promises of ending political point-scoring, Burnham has yet to publish details of how the social care plan will work, what it will cost, or who will pay. Newbury describes this as consensus on Burnham's terms, inviting only those likely to consent at a time when they likely cannot attend.
