WASPI campaigners have expressed their delight after Andy Burnham said he would "stick by" them in a swipe at Keir Starmer. The Greater Manchester Mayor dropped a strong hint that he might sanction payouts if he becomes PM, stating he was uncomfortable with how millions of 1950s-born women had been treated by politicians.
Speaking at a hustings event ahead of the Makerfield by-election, Burnham criticised the Prime Minister and senior Labour politicians. He said: "I have long supported the campaign and I feel uncomfortable when politicians were all holding up their banner and then got into government and didn't do anything. So I stick by the campaigns that I support. I stuck by the Hillsborough families and I will stick by the WASPI women because they deserve some recompense for the unfairness."
The government is under fire after ruling out payouts to over 3.5 million women affected by the pension age scandal. In 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 due to maladministration, potentially costing up to £10 billion. However, the government has refused to pay, with Starmer claiming 90% of impacted women were aware of the change.
Angela Madden, chair of the Women Against State Pension Inequality group, welcomed Burnham's support. She said: "Andy Burnham's continued support for WASPI women is both welcome and hugely refreshing. While some politicians have broken their promises, it takes real courage to speak out and say what millions of people across the country and hundreds of MPs from all parties already know - that 1950s-born women deserve justice." She added that the Parliamentary Ombudsman has been clear that compensation is owed and should be paid without delay.
Failure to properly notify affected women that the state pension age was rising from 60 to 65 meant many were unable to plan for their future, with some plunged into poverty. While Labour was in opposition, senior figures including Starmer backed the campaign, but the party has repeatedly refused to authorise compensation, most recently in January.
Burnham is expected to challenge Starmer if he wins the Makerfield by-election next week. He confirmed on BBC Question Time that he would join a leadership race if one is triggered. Starmer has vowed to fight if there is a contest.
Last month, WASPI campaigners launched a fresh legal challenge against the refusal to introduce a compensation scheme. Madden stated: "The Government has had every opportunity to do the right thing for WASPI women. Instead, they have made a political choice that risks alienating voters in hundreds of marginal seats across the country."
