Andy Burnham Condemns Westminster 'License to Lie' in Fiery By-Election Fallout
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has launched a scathing attack on what he describes as a pervasive "license to lie" within Westminster's political briefing culture. This outburst follows a contentious decision by Labour's ruling national executive committee (NEC) to block Burnham from standing as a candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
NEC Blocks Burnham's By-Election Ambitions
A ten-strong grouping on Labour's powerful national executive committee effectively barred Andy Burnham from contesting the Gorton and Denton seat next month. This move has ignited a week of intense political antagonism and public dispute, with Burnham now using his platform to challenge the integrity of political communications at the highest levels of government.
"They Do Not Get a License to Lie"
During an impassioned phone-in session with BBC Radio Manchester, Burnham declared that Westminster insiders "do not get a license to lie." He expressed his determination to continue calling out those who disseminate falsehoods to the media, particularly when such actions are designed to damage the character and integrity of elected politicians.
"Since my time in government, I have witnessed people who just think they can say what they like to journalists," Burnham stated. "They do it to denigrate the character and impugn the integrity of elected politicians. Some of these individuals are paid by the public purse, but in my view, anybody paid by the public purse does not get license to lie."
Accusations of Downing Street Falsehoods
The fallout from the NEC's decision has continued to reverberate throughout the political sphere. Earlier this week, Burnham directly accused Downing Street sources of lying after an unnamed ally of Prime Minister Keir Starmer briefed that Burnham had been told "in no uncertain terms" that any request to the NEC would be refused. A Number 10 spokesperson subsequently denied that anyone close to Starmer had conveyed this message to Burnham.
Burnham also referenced the controversial "stop Wes" briefings, where unnamed Downing Street sources warned Health Secretary Wes Streeting and others against attempting to oust the prime minister. He cited this as another example of the problematic briefing culture that permeates Westminster corridors.
Burnham's Commitment to Campaign Despite Disappointment
Despite his evident frustration, Burnham emphasised that he would not become bitter about the situation. "In the aftermath of all this, I'm not going to be bitter, and I'm going to be out there campaigning in the by-election," he affirmed. "But I am going to call that one thing out—the culture of dishonesty in political briefings."
Complex Relationship with Starmer and Government
Burnham revealed that he had requested a conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer before submitting his application to run for the Manchester seat, but this request was not granted. The two leaders eventually spoke on Monday, with Burnham describing their exchange as "a fair conversation where we both said how we felt."
He expressed regret about not having the opportunity to speak with Starmer in advance, suggesting it might have created "a more positive path for everybody, including the prime minister and the government." Burnham insisted that his intention was never to undermine Starmer's authority, but rather to contribute his experience to addressing problems holding Greater Manchester back at the national level.
Credit Given for Hillsborough Law Support
In a notable conciliatory gesture, Burnham acknowledged that he wanted to "give great credit" to Starmer for backing the Hillsborough law that Burnham brought to parliament. This legislation will impose a statutory "duty of candour" on public servants, directly addressing the very issues of transparency and honesty that Burnham has been criticising.
Burnham also confirmed having "a really great conversation" with senior party figures including the Home Secretary, during which he sought to assure them that his application was not intended to challenge the government's authority but to contribute constructively to national politics.
The Manchester mayor's forceful comments highlight growing tensions within Labour ranks and raise significant questions about political communication standards in Westminster as the Gorton and Denton by-election approaches.
