Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has made it clear that he will not be revisiting the contentious Brexit discussions as he eyes the Labour leadership. In a bold statement at a conference in Leeds, Burnham articulated his belief that while Brexit has had negative repercussions for the UK, perpetuating arguments about it will only hinder progress. As he prepares to contest for the Makerfield constituency in an upcoming by-election, he insists his focus should be on moving forward, not looking back.
Burnham’s Position on Brexit
In a departure from the ongoing debates within Labour, 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 underscored his respect for the 2016 referendum outcome, asserting that pushing for a rejoining of the EU is not on his agenda. “I respect the decision that was made at the referendum… it is going to undermine everything I have said about strengthening democracy if we don’t respect that vote,” he commented, indicating a desire to unify rather than divide.
This stance is particularly significant as Burnham prepares to challenge Sir Keir Starmer, should he secure the Makerfield seat, a constituency that strongly supported Brexit in the 2016 referendum.
Rival Voices in the Party
While Burnham seeks to distance himself from Brexit debates, not everyone in Labour shares his views. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently described leaving the EU as a “catastrophic mistake,” suggesting that the UK should aspire to rejoin the bloc in the future. Streeting, who has declared his own intentions for a leadership bid, claimed that a “new special relationship” with the EU could provide the UK with significant economic opportunities.
The contrasting positions within the party highlight a potential fracture as Labour navigates its post-Brexit identity. Starmer has also maintained a cautious approach, reiterating that Labour will not return to the single market or customs union, aligning with the party’s electoral pledges.
Burnham’s Vision for Labour
Beyond Brexit, Burnham is advocating for a fundamental shift in Labour’s approach. He called for a redistribution of resources from a “bloated national state” to local councils, which he described as “malnourished.” In his view, Labour must adapt to regain public trust, stating, “A vote for me would be a vote to change Labour.”
He emphasised the need for a political landscape that works effectively for the north of England, suggesting that the party’s current offerings have fallen short. “We have hollowed out councils and have created an unaccountable state,” he argued, pushing for reforms that would empower local governance.
Starmer’s Position Amidst Turbulence
Amid this backdrop, Sir Keir Starmer is facing his own challenges. Following disappointing election results, which saw five ministers resign, Starmer has been under pressure to clarify his future. When asked if he would set a departure timeline should Burnham win Makerfield, he firmly stated, “I’m not going to do that.” He remains committed to leading the party into the next general election, despite acknowledging the need for change.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Makerfield by-election will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for Labour, particularly with Reform UK showing strong support in the region.
Why it Matters
Burnham’s refusal to engage in the Brexit debate signals a strategic shift for Labour, one that could redefine the party’s future direction. As internal divisions over Brexit resurface, the outcome of the Makerfield by-election may not only influence leadership dynamics but also dictate how Labour positions itself in an increasingly complex political environment. With public trust at stake, how the party navigates these issues could have lasting implications for its electoral success.
