Burnham Seeks Union Backing Ahead of Potential Leadership Bid
Andy Burnham is currently engaged in discussions with the leadership of trade unions that provide financial support to the Labour Party. These meetings are understood to be part of an effort to secure broad support in anticipation of his potential role as Prime Minister. The gathering is taking place at the headquarters of Unison, one of the eleven unions formally affiliated with the Labour Party, as confirmed by sources within Unison to the BBC.
Key Issues on the Agenda
During a speech delivered earlier this week, his first since signaling his intention to potentially succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, Mr. Burnham articulated a desire for local communities to exert "greater public control of essential services." This concept is expected to be a central point of discussion with the GMB union, which plans to specifically address the public ownership of water resources. Other topics anticipated to be raised by the GMB include policies supporting British industries, the welfare of school support staff, and efforts towards achieving equal pay.
Gaining the support of trade unions is a crucial preliminary step for any individual aspiring to the Labour leadership. Mr. Burnham announced his intention to stand shortly after his election as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield. He is currently the only declared candidate, and should this situation remain unchanged, he could assume the role of Prime Minister as early as July 20.
Cabinet Appointments and Policy Disagreements
A notable point of contention between some unions and Mr. Burnham concerns the potential appointment of Ed Miliband as Chancellor. General secretaries from Unite and the GMB union, both representing workers in the fossil fuel sector, have actively campaigned against Mr. Miliband due to his stance on North Sea oil drilling during his tenure as Energy Secretary. Mr. Miliband has consistently rejected calls to approve new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea.
Gary Smith, the General Secretary of the GMB, has previously criticized the government's net-zero policies concerning the North Sea oil and gas industries, labeling them "shameful" and "economic madness." Reports from the Financial Times indicate that Mr. Smith raised the issue of a potential Miliband chancellorship with Mr. Burnham during a meeting last week. Conversely, Andrea Egan, Unison's General Secretary, has expressed support for Mr. Miliband as Chancellor, according to The Guardian. Another individual reportedly being considered for the Chancellor role in a Burnham administration is Wes Streeting, Sir Keir's former health secretary, whose resignation was a factor in the former leader's political difficulties.
Electoral Reform Discussions
Electoral reform is another significant topic expected to be discussed between Mr. Burnham and the unions. Critics of the current first-past-the-post system argue that it can lead to candidates being elected with a relatively low share of the vote, thereby undermining democratic principles. Proponents, however, contend that it delivers decisive results and, theoretically, more stable governments. Mr. Burnham has long advocated for reform, stating to BBC Radio Manchester during the Makerfield by-election campaign, "I do think there needs to be reform to the electoral system to enable less point-scoring, more problem-solving." Eight out of Labour's eleven affiliated trade unions also have formal policies supporting electoral reform.
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