A significant rift within the Labour Party has been exposed as Sir Keir Starmer stands accused of deliberately snubbing Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. The Independent can reveal that senior Labour figures are growing increasingly concerned that the party leader's actions are 'politically motivated' and risk alienating key regional power bases.
A Pattern of Exclusion
According to sources, the friction escalated when Mr Burnham was notably absent from a list of speakers at a recent major Labour event in the North West. This follows a pattern where the high-profile mayor, a former cabinet minister, has been excluded from significant campaign moments. Critics within the party suggest this is a deliberate strategy by Starmer's team to sideline a potential rival and centralise control.
'Control Freakery' Claims
One senior Labour insider did not mince words, stating, "It looks petty, it looks like control freakery, and it is politically motivated." The source elaborated that the snub appears designed to prevent Burnham from gaining a national platform that could overshadow Starmer, particularly given the mayor's popularity and strong public profile. This has raised questions about the Labour leader's confidence in his own team and strategy.
Manchester's Voice Silenced?
The exclusion is seen as particularly damaging given Greater Manchester's political importance. With a general election looming, alienating the region and its popular mayor could be a strategic misstep. Supporters of Mr Burnham argue that his voice is crucial for connecting with voters in the North and that Starmer's team is failing to leverage one of the party's biggest assets.
A Party Divided?
This incident points to deeper tensions between the Labour leadership in Westminster and powerful regional figures who have their own mandates. The question of devolution and how much autonomy local leaders should have is at the heart of the dispute. While the Starmer camp maintains a focus on a unified national campaign, these actions suggest a party still grappling with internal power dynamics.
The ongoing tension between Starmer and Burnham will be a critical subplot to watch as Labour attempts to present a united front to the electorate.
