As the Makerfield byelection approaches, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, finds himself at the centre of a contentious immigration debate. His support for proposed changes to the UK’s immigration system, spearheaded by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is raising eyebrows among Labour members and could significantly influence his campaign against the Reform UK party, which has dubbed him “open-borders Andy”.
Burnham’s Stance on Immigration Changes
Burnham’s allies have confirmed that he stands behind Mahmood’s controversial proposals aimed at curbing both legal and illegal migration. While some Labour figures have expressed concern that these measures echo the hardline policies of former US President Donald Trump, Burnham believes it is crucial to present a narrative that highlights the benefits of migration while reassuring voters of border control.
One campaign source stated, “For Andy, migration is a moral issue, showing people who’ve lost faith in politics that we do have control and can do good. We need to tell a positive story about migration’s contribution to our country, but we cannot do that unless people trust their elected representatives to manage our borders effectively.”
A Challenging Byelection Landscape
Burnham was recently announced as Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield byelection, a seat with a significant Reform UK presence following their impressive performance in local elections. According to insiders, this election is pivotal, with Burnham’s allies stressing the importance of demonstrating strong leadership on immigration, which they identify as the second most critical issue for voters in the constituency.
“Andy is fighting the most important byelection in half a century in the Labour-held seat with the largest Reform vote in the country,” said a campaign associate. “He must show decisive leadership and support reforms to restore control over our borders while advocating for a fair migration system.”
Despite Burnham’s efforts, the Conservative Party has announced its own candidate, Michael Winstanley, complicating the electoral landscape further. Some Tories had suggested allowing Reform a clear run to defeat Burnham, but this has not materialised.
Labour’s Internal Divisions Over Immigration
With the byelection looming, Burnham’s policy positions are under scrutiny. Earlier this week, he distanced himself from previous calls to rejoin the European Union, instead focusing on the immediate challenges of immigration reform. Mahmood’s proposed changes include abolishing permanent refugee status and increasing the time required for asylum seekers to achieve settled status from five to ten years—a move that has sparked outrage among some Labour MPs.
Despite the backlash, polling data indicates that Labour members are divided on immigration. A YouGov survey revealed that over half of party members favour maintaining or tightening current immigration policies, while only 26% advocate for a more liberal approach. Interestingly, 44% support Mahmood’s proposed reforms, with just 15% believing that losing votes to the Green Party is a more pressing concern than the threat posed by Reform UK.
Navigating the Future of Labour Leadership
Burnham’s role in the Makerfield byelection could have significant implications for his political future. Should he secure a victory, he is expected to consider a leadership challenge against current Labour leader Keir Starmer or to convince him to step aside. His close allies, including prominent figures from the soft left of the party, have been appointed to steer his campaign, reflecting a blend of support and critique regarding his immigration stance.
While many in the Labour Party are urging Burnham to clarify his position on immigration, he has previously acknowledged the need for reforms to decrease the reliance on asylum hotels and has expressed concerns about the implications of reassessing asylum seekers based on their home countries’ safety.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this byelection is not merely about a seat in Westminster; it represents a broader struggle within Labour regarding immigration policy and the party’s identity. Burnham’s approach could redefine Labour’s stance on a contentious issue, influencing public perception and voter trust. As the political landscape evolves, the Makerfield byelection will serve as a crucial barometer for the party’s future direction and its ability to engage with key voter concerns.