As Keir Starmer steps down as PM, Andy Burnham appears to be next in line
The world of politics is fraught with double crosses and betrayal, something Keir Starmer is said to have told confidants in the run-up to his resignation. Now the hunt for a new British Prime Minister is underway, and many believe it’s Andy Burnham‘s to lose. Is the former Mayor of Greater Manchester ready to take centre stage? Will we get a new leader, or is it simply the changing of the guard? As he confirms he will run in the leadership contest, we explore what a Burnham premiership might look like.
Leadership Contest
Burnham first contested the Labour leadership in 2010 following Gordon Brown‘s resignation, finishing fourth out of five candidates. He then challenged again in 2015, finishing second, behind Jeremy Corbyn, who won decisively. After winning in the Makerfield by-election, it’s no secret that Burnham is seeking to run for Labour leader once again.
Other candidates who may compete include Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband. Though right now, this is all speculation.
Voting Intentions
There are several reservations voters may have about Burnham becoming Prime Minister, with many concerned about his voting record and philosophy, particularly regarding conflict and surveillance powers. In 2014, he supported military strikes against Daesh (ISIS). In 2003, the former Health Secretary voted in favour of the Iraq War, as well as against calls questioning the case for the invasion, which many say has increased terror-related incidents.
Burnham supported new policies, including post-9/11 anti-terror legislation, which expanded surveillance powers. As technology improved, he later voted for the “Investigatory Powers Bill“, also known as the “Snooper’s Charter”. Rights advocates say it’s an excessive use of monitoring and risks turning the United Kingdom into a surveillance state. Much of the backlash against Starmer began on the back of the introduction of a national ID card, a policy Burnham also supports.
On Israel
During a 2015 Labour leadership campaign, Burnham was asked where his first foreign visit would be, to which he responded: “Israel.” More recently, he was asked whether Israel‘s actions in Gaza constituted genocide. He declined to answer, replying: “I can’t judge things of that enormity from where I am as mayor of Greater Manchester,” though he expressed concerns about the “disproportionate nature” of Israel’s actions in the region and previously said Israel reserves the right for “targeted action within international law.” He has not criticised them since.
What Kind of Prime Minister Will We Get?
Andy Burnham’s voting record is the proof in the pudding that voters need to understand the former Mayor of Greater Manchester. His persistent support for military action indicates a preference for prioritising national defence and security spending. Similarly, his record on surveillance laws has been raised by civil liberties campaigners. Considering this, the social media ban for under-16s could remain, as well as the divisive national ID card.
While we won’t be getting a carbon copy of Keir Starmer, his prolonged practice in government means he knows how the game is played and understands what he needs to do to win. But will that be at our expense? One thing is for sure: his support for policies that involve privacy intrusions at home and through military interventions abroad will not distinguish him from any recent Labour leader or Prime Minister, perhaps only Jeremy Corbyn.
The only clear message here is that UK politics, in particular leadership challenges, have become a harbinger of economic flashpoints as well as narcissistic contests. Something we’re privy to once again, as Britain is set to begrudgingly welcome its seventh Prime Minister in ten years.
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