Veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman has publicly advocated for Sir Keir Starmer to appoint Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, to a cabinet position should Labour form the next government. Harman, a former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and a long-serving Member of Parliament, described Burnham as possessing "huge talents" that would be a significant asset to a 'team of all the talents'.
Harman's comments underscore ongoing speculation and internal discussions within the Labour Party regarding the composition of a potential future cabinet. As the party continues to poll strongly ahead of a general election, the focus is increasingly turning to who might occupy key ministerial roles and how the party plans to unite various factions and prominent figures.
Andy Burnham has a significant political profile, having previously served as an MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017 and holding several cabinet positions under Gordon Brown, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary of State for Health. Since 2017, he has been the directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, a role in which he has gained national recognition for his vocal advocacy on issues such as public transport, homelessness, and regional devolution.
The suggestion of Burnham's return to Westminster politics and a cabinet role raises questions about the balance between central government and devolved regional leadership. His tenure as Mayor has seen him championing the interests of Greater Manchester, often taking a distinct stance from central government policies, which has resonated with many in the North West of England.
Harman's call for a 'team of all the talents' implies a desire for a broad and experienced cabinet, drawing on individuals with diverse backgrounds and skillsets from across the party. Such an approach could be seen as an attempt to project strength, unity, and a wide range of expertise to the electorate ahead of a general election.