Andy Burnham's Radical Vision: Green Alliance and Electoral Overhaul
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham would forge a strategic alliance with the Green Party and dismantle the first-past-the-post electoral system if he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, according to his supporters. This revelation emerges as Labour reels from a devastating defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, which has intensified leadership speculation within the party.
Leadership Turmoil and Polling Pressure
Labour's crushing loss in Thursday's by-election has left leadership rivals circling ominously, with Mr Burnham emerging as the favourite among both Labour voters and the wider electorate, despite not currently being an MP. Sir Keir Starmer's refusal to allow Mr Burnham to stand as the candidate in the by-election is widely blamed by many Labour MPs for the defeat, exacerbating internal tensions.
Exclusive polling data shared with The Mail on Sunday reveals that 44 per cent of voters believe the Prime Minister should resign following the by-election loss, with only 34 per cent supporting his continuation. The research, conducted by polling expert and former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft, rates Mr Burnham as the 'best Prime Minister' among Labour leadership contenders, securing 27 per cent support. This places him significantly ahead of Ed Miliband on 8 per cent, and Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting both on 6 per cent.
Coalition Prospects and Electoral Reform
The polling also indicates that a coalition between Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Zack Polanski's Greens would outperform a Tory/Reform UK coalition by 43 per cent to 33 per cent. Mr Burnham's supporters assert that he is actively working to return to the Commons, with efforts underway to persuade veteran Labour MP Marie Rimmer to stand aside in St Helens South and Whiston. One supportive MP commented, 'It is not a done deal yet, but we are hopeful. The implied offer is she would be able to end her career in the Lords if she does the decent thing.'
However, if Labour's National Executive Committee attempts to block Mr Burnham again—citing concerns about triggering a by-election for the Manchester mayoralty that Reform could win—he is reportedly considering the 'nuclear option' of resigning as mayor regardless. Mr Burnham has publicly advocated for replacing first-past-the-post with proportional representation (PR), arguing it could 'build a more collaborative, long-term culture within Westminster.' This aligns with a long-cherished aim of the Green Party, which, despite recent by-election success, faces challenges under the current system.
Internal Opposition and Leadership Dynamics
A Labour MP and Burnham supporter revealed that 'a deal on PR' could be a cornerstone of the proposed alliance, with Mr Burnham 'ideally placed' to negotiate with the Greens. Nonetheless, this idea faces fierce opposition from many Labour MPs who fear it would prevent the party from ever securing a clear Commons majority again.
Separately, claims suggest that former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has privately assured Mr Burnham she would not contest the leadership if he becomes a candidate. However, she is reportedly prepared to run to prevent Health Secretary Wes Streeting from taking the role if a contest arises before Mr Burnham can re-enter Parliament. Most Labour MPs anticipate that Sir Keir will not face a leadership challenge until after the May local elections.
Denials and Green Party Response
Last night, Mr Burnham dismissed the claims as 'made up,' but a Green Party spokesman welcomed his support for PR, stating, 'It is the best thing for representative democracy, even if Labour are coming to it now to protect themselves against annihilation in the 2029 General Election.' This development underscores the growing momentum for electoral reform and potential realignments within British politics as Labour grapples with its future direction.
