Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has committed to steering clear of past Brexit debates, emphasising that he is not advocating for the UK to rejoin the European Union. As he gears up for a potential leadership contest against Sir Keir Starmer, following the Makerfield by-election, Burnham described Brexit as “damaging” but warned that incessant arguments over it will hinder Britain’s progress.
The Stance on Brexit
In a recent address at a conference in Leeds, Burnham stated, “My view is that Brexit has been damaging, but I also believe the last thing we should do right now is re-run those arguments.” He reiterated his respect for the 2016 referendum decision, asserting that revisiting the issue would undermine his commitment to democracy. Burnham’s remarks come as Labour grapples with its stance on Brexit, with some members calling for a re-evaluation of the party’s position.
While Burnham is clear about his intentions not to advocate for rejoining the EU, the topic remains contentious within the party. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly labelled Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and suggested that the UK should “one day” consider rejoining. His comments highlight the divisions within Labour as it approaches a potential leadership shake-up.
Leadership Dynamics
To challenge Sir Keir Starmer, Burnham must first secure his position as Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, where he has already been cleared to seek selection after the current MP, Josh Simons, stepped aside. The constituency is known for its strong support for Brexit, having voted decisively in favour of leaving the EU.
In response to queries about his future as leader, Sir Keir Starmer has stated that he will not establish a timeline for his departure. He acknowledged the difficulties Labour faces, particularly following disappointing results in recent elections, and expressed his commitment to the party’s direction. “I will be backing 100% whoever the [Labour] candidate is,” he remarked, underlining the importance of a united front.
A Call for Change
Burnham’s vision extends beyond Brexit; he is advocating for a fundamental restructuring of Labour’s approach. He called for a reassignment of resources from a “bloated national state” to local authorities that he described as “malnourished.” Burnham believes that local councils have been undermined, resulting in unaccountable governance. “We have hollowed out councils and created an unaccountable state,” he stated, highlighting the need for a shift in power dynamics.
Burnham’s message is clear: for Labour to regain public trust, it must evolve. In his view, “a vote for me would be a vote to change Labour,” signalling his intention to reform the party’s image and approach to governance.
Why it Matters
As Labour prepares for a critical juncture in its leadership, Burnham’s refusal to engage in Brexit debates may resonate with voters seeking fresh perspectives. His focus on local governance and resource redistribution aims to address long-standing grievances within the party, potentially reshaping its electoral strategy. With the Makerfield by-election on the horizon, Burnham’s actions could significantly influence the future direction of Labour and its standing in British politics.
