Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has made it clear he will not engage in the contentious Brexit discussions as he eyes a potential challenge for the Labour leadership. With the Makerfield by-election on the horizon, Burnham asserted that while he believes Brexit has caused significant harm, it’s time to stop rehashing old arguments.
No Return to the EU
At a recent conference in Leeds, Burnham stated unequivocally, “I am not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU.” He emphasised the importance of respecting the 2016 referendum result, arguing that revisiting such divisive topics would only impede progress. His remarks come as speculation mounts about his intentions following the resignation of Josh Simons, the current MP for Makerfield, who has stepped aside to facilitate Burnham’s candidacy.
This marks a notable shift for Burnham, who, last September, expressed a desire to see the UK rejoin the EU in his lifetime. However, he now insists that the focus should be on uniting the party and moving forward, rather than re-opening old wounds.
Leadership Aspirations and Challenges
As Labour faces internal turbulence, Burnham’s potential bid for the leadership has ignited renewed interest in Brexit as a campaign issue. His comments stand in stark contrast to those of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who labelled the decision to leave the EU as a “catastrophic mistake” and suggested that rejoining should be on the table eventually. Streeting, who recently resigned from his post, has confirmed he will enter the leadership race if it materialises.
Burnham’s journey to leadership would require him to win over the Makerfield constituency, an area that strongly backed Brexit during the 2016 vote. Despite this, he remains focused on a broader message of reform, urging a reallocation of resources from the central government to local authorities, which he describes as “malnourished.”
A Call for Change in Labour
In his conference address, Burnham highlighted the need for a significant transformation within the Labour Party, stating, “A vote for me would be a vote to change Labour.” He contended that the party’s previous offerings had fallen short and that regaining public trust necessitated a fundamental shift in approach.
He called for a “serious rewiring” of how politics operates, lamenting the lack of accountability in local governance due to excessive outsourcing of services. Burnham envisions a Labour that champions local communities and empowers elected officials, contrasting sharply with the “bloated national state” he feels has failed its constituents.
Keir Starmer’s Response
As speculation swirls around Burnham’s ambitions, Sir Keir Starmer has made it clear he is not stepping aside anytime soon. When asked about setting a timetable for his resignation should Burnham win the by-election, Starmer declined to provide any such assurances. He reaffirmed his commitment to leading the party into the next general election, despite recent setbacks that have seen several ministers resign following disappointing local election results.
The Makerfield by-election is poised to be a test for both Burnham and Starmer, with the constituency having been won by Labour in 2024 with a majority of 5,399 votes over Reform UK. Recent local elections indicate a strong challenge from Reform, which has claimed around 50% of the vote share in the area. Party leader Nigel Farage has promised an all-out effort to capture the constituency.
Why it Matters
Burnham’s stance on Brexit reflects a broader strategy within Labour to shift focus away from divisive past arguments and towards a vision for the future. As political dynamics continue to evolve, the Makerfield by-election could serve as a critical barometer of Labour’s direction under potential new leadership. The outcome will not only shape the party’s immediate future but also influence its long-term strategy as it seeks to reconnect with voters and regain trust in the wake of recent electoral challenges.
