In a significant development for the Labour Party, Andy Burnham has reached out to Sue Gray, the former chief of staff to Keir Starmer, for strategic advice on navigating a potential return to Downing Street. Their discussions come amid growing speculation about Starmer’s leadership following a series of disappointing local election outcomes and as the party gears up for the crucial Makerfield by-election.
A Long-Standing Relationship
The connection between Burnham and Gray dates back to Burnham’s tenure as a minister in Tony Blair’s government, where Gray served in the Cabinet Office. Sources indicate that while Gray’s counsel is sought, she is unlikely to assume an official role in a future Burnham-led administration. Her departure from Downing Street in October 2024 followed a tumultuous period marked by accusations of her creating a “control freak” environment that stifled policy decisions, a situation that has likely contributed to the current turbulence within Labour’s ranks.
Internal Dynamics and Political Aspirations
As internal conversations about Labour’s leadership intensify, Burnham remains focused on the immediate challenge posed by the Makerfield by-election, a contest that could significantly affect both his political trajectory and the party’s future direction. Allies of Burnham suggest that his campaign is not only pivotal for him but also for Labour’s broader ambitions in the wake of recent electoral setbacks.
Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the Treasury, expressed concerns about the ongoing jockeying for power within the party, stating on the BBC’s Sunday programme that “fantasy politics” are distracting from the real issues facing the country. He acknowledged the need for a debate on electoral performance but emphasised that such discussions must not overshadow Labour’s primary responsibilities to the electorate.
Polling Pressures Mount
Recent polling data paints a challenging picture for Labour. A Survation survey indicates that Burnham’s party is projected to secure 43% of the vote in Makerfield, but Reform UK is hot on their heels with 40%. This close contest underscores the urgency for Labour to consolidate its support, as the political landscape continues to shift.
Adding to the complexity, a More in Common survey released last week revealed that under Burnham’s potential leadership, Labour stands at 30% nationally, just ahead of Reform UK at 27% and the Conservatives at 20%. This precarious position has prompted prominent Labour figures, including Wes Streeting and Lucy Powell, to rally around Burnham in Makerfield, signalling a united front—or perhaps a strategic alliance—as they navigate a fractious political environment.
The Call for Change
As Burnham distances himself from calls for rejoining the EU, he advocates for increased public control over key sectors such as transport, housing, and energy. His policy focus reflects a broader desire within Labour to articulate a clear vision for the party’s future, particularly as internal figures like David Miliband call for a more substantial shift in policy rather than merely a change in leadership.
Miliband, speaking at the Hay Festival, asserted that the substance of Labour’s policies must take precedence over personal ambitions within the party. He remarked that without substantial policy reforms, changing the leadership would yield little benefit, highlighting the need for Labour to demonstrate a commitment to transformative change in light of its electoral challenges.
Why it Matters
The unfolding dynamics within the Labour Party encapsulate a moment of reckoning for a party grappling with its identity and electoral viability. As Burnham seeks to position himself for a potential return to power, the interplay of relationships, strategic advice, and public sentiment will prove critical. The outcome of the Makerfield by-election could serve as a bellwether for Labour’s future, shaping not only Burnham’s ambitions but also the party’s broader trajectory in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
