Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham has reportedly devised a fresh strategy to re-enter Parliament and mount a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership following the upcoming local elections in May. According to MPs who back the Manchester Mayor's political aspirations, this new plan emerges after his previous attempt was thwarted.
Blocked Bid and Renewed Ambitions
Mr Burnham was barred from standing as the Labour candidate in the critical Gorton and Denton by-election this month. The party's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) rejected his application under directives from the Prime Minister, effectively halting his immediate parliamentary ambitions. However, supporters of Mr Burnham contend that the political climate within the Labour Party has shifted significantly since that decision.
Shifting Party Mood and Strategic Discussions
Allies argue that the internal party sentiment has deteriorated to such an extent that a second attempt by Mr Burnham would now likely succeed. In light of this, he is understood to be engaging in discussions with a sitting Labour MP in Liverpool to secure a parliamentary seat. This move is seen as a crucial step toward positioning himself for a future leadership contest.
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell, a close ally of Mr Burnham and a member of the NEC, is actively involved in these efforts. A supporter revealed that Ms Powell is 'having conversations to that effect,' indicating coordinated planning to facilitate Mr Burnham's return to Westminster.
Political Alliances and Policy Criticisms
Earlier this week, Mr Burnham aligned with former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner to publicly criticise Sir Keir Starmer's tax policies. They argued that these policies are placing undue pressure on pubs and other hospitality businesses. Ms Rayner, who is also considered a frontrunner to succeed Sir Keir, joined Mr Burnham in highlighting economic challenges at a night-time economy conference in Liverpool.
Policy Concerns and Sectoral Impact
Ms Rayner addressed the conference, stating: 'I talked about the challenges of business rates, the challenges of VAT, the challenges, yes, of the minimum wage going up, and the living wage and the cost of energy. We’ve got to start looking at the intersectionality of all these challenges and start relieving some of them. Too often, policy is done to this sector, not with it.'
Mr Burnham echoed her sentiments at the same event, emphasising: 'We need a planning and tax regime that recognises that value added to the UK economy. I know pubs have got their business rates exemption but it should be broader than that.' This joint criticism underscores a growing rift within the party over economic strategy.
Ideological Shifts and Party Dynamics
Mr Burnham, along with Ms Rayner and Ed Miliband, represents a shift toward the Left of the Labour Party, aligning more closely with the views of party members rather than the general electorate. A recent poll of Labour Party members revealed that 89 per cent believe taxes and spending should increase, a stance shared by only one in five members of the public.
Internal Struggles and Leadership Prospects
In contrast, Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen as representing the Right of the party, which could hinder his prospects in any future leadership contest. Meanwhile, Mr Burnham's supporters believe that Ms Rayner primarily 'wants to be part of the conversation' and would likely team up with Mr Burnham as his deputy if he decides to run for leader. This potential alliance could reshape the party's direction and challenge Sir Keir Starmer's current leadership trajectory.
