UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Housing Secretary Steve Reed dismisses leadership rumors, confirming Andy Burnham will complete his full term as Greater Manchester mayor.
As reported by The Independent, a Cabinet minister called suggestions of Andy Burnham seeking Labour leadership “tittle-tattle,” despite the Greater Manchester mayor hinting at a return to Westminster.
What did Steve Reed say about Andy Burnham’s mayoral term?
Steve Reed confirmed Andy Burnham has made a “commitment” to serve his full mayoral term.
On Thursday, Housing Secretary downplayed criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying he has been targeted by “potshots” before.
Mr Reed urged Labour members to focus on “driving change” at next week’s annual conference rather than internal plans to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
The Streatham and Croydon North MP said,
“Change is what people voted for, change is what we’re going to deliver, and I’m not going to be diverted by tittle-tattle in the papers.”
He stated,
“Andy is playing a great role already. He’s the mayor of Greater Manchester and he’s doing an incredible job there, if you look at what they’re doing on homelessness or what they’re doing working with local health services.”
Mr Reed said,
“He will keep doing that work, because that is the commitment he gave until the end of his term.”
The housing secretary added,
“I would urge everyone in the Labour Party to spend conference focusing on how we drive change. Our job now is to talk to the country, not to ourselves, about how we’re going to change the things that they care about.”
What did Andy Burnham say about Labour leadership and returning to Westminster?
Andy Burnham revealed that Labour MPs are privately pushing him to challenge Keir Starmer for the party leadership.
His remarks are likely to spark talk of a Westminster comeback, criticizing Downing Street for creating a “climate of fear.”
Greater Manchester mayor confirmed he was not “plotting to get back” and the leadership was “for other people in Westminster to make a decision about.”
In an interview, he said,
“People have contacted me throughout the summer, yeah. I’m not going to say to you that that hasn’t happened but, as I say, it’s more a decision for those people than it is for me.”
Mr Burnham acknowledged his continued desire to be prime minister, highlighting his two previous bids for Labour leader.
The mayor set out proposals to “turn the country around,” including a higher council tax in some areas and a 50p top income tax.
Mr Burnham declined to rule out a leadership bid before May’s local elections, saying he is ready to support the prime minister as life in Westminster changes.
He added,
“I’m happy to play any role. I am ready to play any role in that. Yes. Because the threat we’re facing is increasingly an existential one.”
Mr Burnham highlighted his politics of “aspirational socialism,” promoting public control over housing, energy, water, and rail, and engaging working-class ambition.
He indicated willingness to collaborate with the Liberal Democrats and Jeremy Corbyn, suggesting Britain adopt proportional representation to strengthen the “progressive majority.”
When asked if MPs had encouraged him to run for Labour leader, he confirmed that people had contacted him throughout the summer.
He added,
“I’m not going to say to you that that hasn’t happened, but as I say, it’s more a decision for those people than it is for me.”
Thangam Debbonaire’s views on Andy Burnham’s comments on Labour leadership
Labour peer Thangam Debbonaire criticized Andy Burnham for intervening in party matters, following his call for “wholesale change.”
She said,
“I really don’t think when we’ve got a country that needs so many things to do for it… I don’t think it’s helpful for anybody to start sticking their oar in about who should or should not replace Keir Starmer.”
Ms Debbonaire stated,
“Keir Starmer is our prime minister.”
When questioned if the Greater Manchester mayor should “pipe down,” she replied, “I would like him to.”
How would Andy Burnham win the Labour leadership?
Andy Burnham needs nominations from 20% of Labour MPs (80) to trigger a leadership contest. Keir Starmer, as the incumbent, automatically appears on the ballot.
The NEC sets the timeline for the contest. Members vote using preferential ranking, and if Starmer does not stand, Burnham becomes leader unopposed.