Andy Burnham criticises ‘bankruptcy’ of Labour approach to campaigning | Labour

Andy Burnham has criticized the Labour Party’s campaigning approach following a recent loss in the Gorton and Denton byelection, describing it as “bankruptcy” and calling for a “serious conversation” about the UK’s political system.

Burnham Criticizes Labour Campaigning

The mayor of Greater Manchester and former MP said Labour’s current style prevents it from connecting with voters outside its traditional base and with other progressive parties, referencing a reliance on door-to-door canvassing focused on existing Labour supporters.

“What I want to say today is that the time has most definitely come for a serious conversation about our political system and its pervading culture, particularly so in the aftermath of the Gorton and Denton byelection,” Burnham said in a speech at the British Library in London. “It revealed the full depth of the chasm between people and Westminster politics. I don’t think anybody can seriously dispute that statement.”

Burnham was blocked from standing as Labour’s candidate in the recent byelection, which the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer won. Labour came in third place, with Reform UK second. Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has said Burnham would have likely won the contest.

Concerns Over Political Disconnect

Burnham cited polling data from More in Common, which found a majority of people believe the cost of living crisis will not end, calling it “code red for Westminster politics.” He added, “This is getting extremely dangerous, and change in our political system and culture is desperately needed.”

During the speech, organized by the Centre for Cities, Burnham also criticized the UK government, claiming Westminster and Whitehall no longer appear willing to “share growth” with regions like the north of England. He also outlined his vision of “Manchesterism” – a governing approach he described as “the opposite of Westminsterism.”

Burnham expressed frustration with Whitehall, stating there was “resistance” to granting greater autonomy to regions. “After 10 years of devolution they are still pushing us away as if they know all the answers, and still they hold on and refuse to devolve,” he said. “I am getting to the point where I refuse to spend more of my time making the case. It just makes you think they don’t actually want growth everywhere. They just want to hold on to things down here. We need Whitehall reform but we also need Westminster reform.”

He prompted laughter from the audience when he said he wanted to turn Manchester into Britain’s “leading green city”, adding, “Some might say it took a step that way recently.”

A question regarding allegations of “family voting” irregularities was not addressed during the question-and-answer session, as it fell outside the event’s “rules,” according to Andrew Carter, the thinktank’s chief executive.