Andy Burnham's sudden emergence as a potential successor to Sir Keir Starmer has ignited mixed emotions within Labour's traditional left wing. For many who felt marginalised during the Starmer era, the prospect of a leadership change is both a moment of hope and trepidation.
Veteran Labour MP Jon Trickett, an outspoken critic of Starmer's tenure, has spoken out about what he terms the "purging" of the left. This perceived purge saw several key figures, including Jeremy Corbyn, suspended or expelled from the party amid a crackdown on antisemitism. The veteran MP recalled his own defiance of the party whip in September 2024 over the removal of winter fuel allowance for some pensioners, a move he believes highlights the government's detachment from core Labour values.
Burnham's vision for "Manchesterism" has resonated with some on the left, who see it as an opportunity to revive their long-marginalised ideas. This approach advocates for increased public control over essential services and closer collaboration between state and businesses to distribute wealth more broadly. However, others remain sceptical, pointing out that several key pledges made by Starmer during his leadership campaign – including public ownership of utilities and ending university tuition fees – were later abandoned or adapted.
Clive Lewis, another left-wing MP, has echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the party's actions have created a "culture of fear" among its members. The suspension of Corbyn from the party in 2020 was seen by many as a significant breach of trust between the leadership and its grassroots. Furthermore, Starmer's initial stance on the Gaza conflict in October 2023, where he suggested Israel had a "right" to withhold power and water from Gaza, only to later back a ceasefire, has been cited as further evidence of his failure to connect with Labour's left wing.
The question now is whether Burnham can reconcile these divisions and restore Labour's commitment to social justice. For Trickett and others who feel disillusioned with the party, there are signs that the new leader might be willing to listen – and act accordingly. As one senior Labour source noted, "Perhaps we've been too quick to dismiss our critics in the past; now is an opportunity to re-engage with those voters we've lost."