The warning signs are stark for teachers and trade unions as the Reform party's rise threatens to dismantle decades of hard-won protections. Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the NASUWT, has urged Labour supporters to back Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in Thursday's Makerfield by-election, arguing he is their best chance to counter the Reform tide.
Mr. Wrack warned that NASUWT members are already facing hostility from local authorities led by Reform councillors who refuse engagement and accuse educators of 'indoctrinating children'. He described this scenario as 'devastating' for teachers, education, and trade union rights, suggesting a Reform administration would act 'ruthlessly' to dismantle existing provisions.
In backing Mr. Burnham's bid to re-enter Parliament, Mr. Wrack cited his leader's experience and capacity to lead Labour against the Reform party. He stated that Mr. Burnham is 'Labour’s probable best chance of beating Reform in Makerfield,' and subsequently, 'would then be well placed to win a Labour leadership challenge, and I think he would be Labour’s best chance of beating Reform in a [general] election.'
Mr. Wrack's support for Mr. Burnham extends beyond party politics, however. He also expressed criticism of the current Labour government's approach to education policy, including its continuation of what he termed 'Tory policy on academisation' through recent government white papers encouraging all schools to convert into academy trusts.
Furthermore, Mr. Wrack raised concerns about the proposed overhaul of SEND provision and the risk it poses for teachers if new expectations are placed on schools without adequate funding and resources. He stressed that any government, including a potential Burnham administration, must engage directly with frontline educators to incorporate their experiences into final plans.
In a personal capacity, Mr. Wrack also expressed frustration over the lack of public debate regarding increased defence spending while education funding faces challenges, describing it as 'galling' that such priorities are not being scrutinised alongside education spending cuts.