A bitter civil war within the Labour Party has erupted into public view after a senior ally of Sir Keir Starmer launched a scathing attack on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Shadow Commons Leader Lucy Powell delivered the extraordinary broadside, telling the prominent metro mayor to "stick to Manchester" and stop meddling in national politics. The remarks represent the most public display of internal tensions since Starmer became leader.
Frontbench Fury Exposed
The explosive comments came during a private meeting of Labour MPs where Powell, representing Starmer's inner circle, openly criticised Burnham's growing national profile. Sources describe the intervention as "brutal" and "deliberately confrontational", signalling zero tolerance for dissent from the leadership's strategy.
Powell's attack suggests mounting frustration within Starmer's team about Burnham's independent stance and his willingness to challenge party positions publicly. The Manchester Mayor has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for northern interests, sometimes putting him at odds with the London-centric leadership.
Battle for Labour's Soul
This public falling-out exposes the fundamental tension within Labour between:
- Centralised control under Starmer's leadership
- Regional power bases represented by metro mayors
- Differing visions for Labour's electoral strategy
- Competing ambitions within the party hierarchy
The "stick to Manchester" remark is particularly revealing, suggesting some in Starmer's team view Burnham as a regional figure who should remain in his lane rather than influencing national policy debates.
Burnham's Rising Profile
Andy Burnham, once a leadership contender himself, has dramatically enhanced his reputation through his handling of the Manchester mayoralty and his vocal advocacy for northern communities. His popularity in the region has made him a formidable figure within the party and a potential threat to the current leadership.
This clash represents more than personal animosity—it reflects a deeper struggle over Labour's direction and who gets to speak for the party as it prepares for a potential general election victory.
The very public nature of this rift suggests both sides are digging in for a prolonged battle that could define Labour's approach to power and its relationship with regional governments across England.
