The prospect of a Labour leadership contest has revealed unexpected positions from potential contenders, as the party grapples with an electoral bind. Over the past fortnight, the party has seemed to inhabit three parallel worlds: a prime minister celebrating economic improvements while facing a party intent on deposing him; a byelection where Andy Burnham must prove he can win over Reform UK voters; and Wes Streeting, unable to secure enough support for a challenge, but campaigning with leftwing ideas like higher wealth taxes.
Burnham, the party's leftwing hope for prime minister, has been criticised by opponents as 'open-borders Burnham' but now emphasises economic credibility. He knows he must demonstrate fiscal responsibility to support his plans on devolution and public control of utilities. Meanwhile, Streeting, the golden boy of the right, has moved leftwards, calling for earlier recognition of a Palestinian state and condemning far-right racism. He has also proposed a wealth tax centred on capital gains.
Both figures are showing sides that confound their public caricatures. Burnham has been a business-friendly mayor overseeing strong economic growth, while Streeting has a long history of anti-racism and anti-Brexit activism. Their shifts reflect the party's electoral dilemma: Labour lost nearly four times as many voters to the Greens as to Reform UK in local elections, according to YouGov. This means ambitious leaders must appeal to both progressive and conservative voters.
The stakes are higher for Burnham, who faces a byelection in Makerfield, while Streeting has more time to build support. However, without a change of course, Streeting risks a vote share as low as Liz Kendall's 4.5% in the 2015 leadership race. The fantasy contest has already shaped their strategies, revealing the complex pressures within the Labour party.
