In a bold declaration aimed at unifying the Labour Party, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has committed to refraining from reigniting the contentious Brexit debate, asserting that the UK should not contemplate rejoining the European Union. As he prepares to contest the Makerfield by-election—a critical stepping stone towards a potential challenge to Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership—Burnham acknowledged the detrimental effects of Brexit but warned that the party must focus on moving forward rather than rehashing past arguments.
Brexit: A Divisive Legacy
Speaking at a conference in Leeds, Burnham articulated his belief that Brexit has inflicted significant harm on the country. However, he cautioned against the dangers of perpetually revisiting the debate, arguing that such an approach would entrench Britain in a “permanent rut.” He stated, “I am not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU. I respect the decision that was made at the referendum, and it is going to undermine everything I have said about strengthening democracy if we don’t respect that vote.”
This stance marks a notable shift from Burnham’s previous comments made in September, where he expressed a wish to see the UK back in the EU during his lifetime. The political landscape is evidently shifting, with figures like former Health Secretary Wes Streeting openly calling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and advocating for a “new special relationship” with the EU, suggesting a potential rift within the party on this pivotal issue.
The Road to Makerfield
To challenge Starmer effectively, Burnham must first secure victory in the Makerfield constituency, which voted decisively for Brexit in the 2016 referendum. The current MP, Josh Simons, has stepped down to facilitate Burnham’s candidacy, and he is poised to be selected as Labour’s candidate, pending approval from local party members.
The by-election is expected to be fiercely contested, particularly against the backdrop of Labour’s recent struggles, which culminated in the resignation of five ministers following disappointing electoral outcomes. Streeting’s remarks have ignited a renewed focus on Brexit as a potential flashpoint in any future leadership contest, with Starmer’s refusal to outline a timetable for stepping down adding to the intrigue.
A Vision for Change
In his broader vision for Labour, Burnham emphasised the need for a radical overhaul of the party’s approach to governance. He called for a reallocation of resources from a “bloated national state” to empower local councils, which he described as “malnourished.” Burnham argued that the party’s previous offerings to voters have fallen short, insisting that a vote for him represents a commitment to transformative change within Labour.
“We have hollowed out councils and have created an un
