Greater Manchester Mayor denies ambitions for Number 10 whilst launching attack on Starmer’s ‘lack of powerful story’
Andy Burnham has declared he hopes to see Britain rejoin the European Union within his lifetime, breaking Labour’s unofficial taboo on the issue as speculation mounts about his potential challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Speaking at Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, the Greater Manchester Mayor said he was being “honest” about his European ambitions whilst simultaneously denying he was positioning himself to replace the embattled Prime Minister.
The controversial intervention comes as Labour faces a dramatic collapse in support, with recent polls showing Reform UK surging ahead and pressure mounting on Starmer after just 14 months in power.
Breaking Brexit Silence
Speaking at an event hosted by the Guardian Politics podcast at the conference, Burnham made his provocative declaration about Britain’s relationship with Europe.
“Long term, I’m going to be honest, I’m going to say it… I hope in my lifetime I see this country rejoin,” Burnham told the audience, adding: “People prosper more when they’re part of unions.”
The comments mark a significant departure from Labour’s cautious approach to Brexit since the 2019 election defeat, when the party’s confused stance on a second referendum contributed to its worst result since 1935.
Burnham’s position on Europe has been notably inconsistent over the years. He backed Remain at the 2016 referendum, then dithered about a People’s Vote—initially opposing it before supporting it—only to claim in 2019 that he would back Leave if a second referendum were held.
Denying Leadership Ambitions
Despite widespread speculation about a leadership challenge, Burnham insisted he remains committed to his mayoral role when pressed about his future ambitions.
When asked to choose between Mayor of Greater Manchester or Prime Minister, Burnham said: “Mayor of Greater Manchester. Honestly, this is the best job in politics…it’s a job I’ve loved every minute of and I’m completely committed to.”
The mayor, who previously served as Health Secretary under Gordon Brown, refused to confirm whether he had discussed leadership plans with MPs, though he admitted there were “plenty of conversations I have with MPs all the time.
“I can’t launch a leadership campaign, I’m not in parliament, so that is the bottom line,” Burnham stated, highlighting the constitutional barrier to any immediate challenge to Starmer.
However, he quickly pivoted to discussing plans to combat Reform UK: “The only thing I’ve launched is a debate about how do we get a plan together to beat Reform. I am of course talking about the general election but May 2026 is right in front of us now.
Attack on Government Direction
Burnham delivered a thinly veiled criticism of Starmer’s government, suggesting it lacks a coherent vision for Britain’s future.
“While the Government’s done good things, I don’t think it’s come together yet as that powerful story of the future of Britain,” he said, warning that the “populist right” are “putting big things on the table” and “we have to do the same thing the other way.”
His comments echo his recent warning in the New Statesman that Britain needs “wholesale change,” with the mayor cautioning that Starmer risks handing the keys to Number 10 to Nigel Farage without a major change of course.
Burnham also appeared to reject digital ID proposals, saying “now was not the right time” when pressed on the issue, distancing himself from potential government policy.
Electoral Success in Manchester
Burnham’s confidence stems from his extraordinary electoral success in Greater Manchester. He was re-elected for a third term in May 2024 with 63.4% of the vote, winning every single constituency under the new first-past-the-post system.
Since becoming mayor in 2017, Manchester’s economy has grown faster than any major UK city outside London, at an average of 2% annually. His flagship achievement, the Bee Network, has brought buses back under public control and created an integrated London-style transport system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he earned the nickname “King of the North” for his high-profile battles with the Conservative government over funding for Northern communities.
Conference Tensions
Burnham’s intervention has created immediate tensions at the Liverpool conference. He hit back at suggestions he was only out for himself, saying “it sticks in my throat somewhat,” and insisted: “I did everything that I possibly could to make this conference a success.”
When asked about his commitment to Northern infrastructure, he chose Northern Powerhouse Rail over HS2, and positioned himself “somewhere in the middle” between Green Party leader Zack Polanski and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
Sources suggest Downing Street is “braced for Burnham to pop up in Liverpool as a rallying point for a change of direction,” with the mayor set to participate in a major fringe event titled “Winning A Decade of National Renewal” alongside rebellious MPs including Clive Lewis, Nadia Whittome, and Rachael Maskell.
Path to Power Remains Complex
For Burnham to mount a serious leadership challenge, he would first need to return to Parliament. The most likely route would be through a by-election in Greater Manchester, possibly in Blackley and Middleton South if Graham Stringer stands down, though this seat would be vulnerable to Reform UK given current polling.
Under party rules, 20% of the parliamentary party—80 MPs—would be needed to challenge Starmer by nominating an alternative candidate. Many observers believe poor results in May 2026’s local elections, when over 4,000 council seats will be contested alongside all seats in the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, could trigger such a challenge.
Labour MPs are reportedly already discussing Burnham’s potential, with one Red Wall source telling media: “The rot has set in and the longer you leave it the closer you get to the point of no return.
Labour’s Crisis Deepens
Burnham’s intervention comes as Labour faces multiple crises. Recent Ipsos polling shows Reform UK on 34%, Labour on just 22%, and the Conservatives at 14%—Labour’s lowest share since June 2009.
Starmer’s satisfaction rating has plummeted to historic lows, with only 13% of voters satisfied with his government—the worst score of any prime minister since Ipsos started collecting data in 1977.
The party faces internal divisions over benefits policy, with MPs pressing for changes to the two-child benefit cap, whilst controversial decisions including axing Winter Fuel Payments and releasing convicts early have damaged public confidence.
Fighting Reform’s Rise
Despite denying leadership ambitions, Burnham positioned himself as having answers to Reform UK’s surge, emphasising his plans for the May 2026 local elections.
He said from talking to people in Greater Manchester and elsewhere that “there’s a calling for more to take to the doorstep. That’s really what we need to do.”
The mayor’s comments about rejoining the EU could prove particularly controversial given Reform’s success in mobilising Brexit supporters and concerns about Labour’s ability to win back Leave-voting areas.
What Happens Next
Burnham’s current mayoral term runs until 2028, giving him time to plan any potential return to Westminster. His appearance at multiple conference events will be closely watched for any coded attacks on Starmer’s leadership.
The mayor has already published a book with Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram titled “Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain,” setting out his vision for the country’s future.
As one Labour veteran observed about Burnham’s conference manoeuvres: “Labour MPs are fuming because he’s overplayed his hand. It’s totally overshadowed conference and he’s not even an MP.”
Whether Burnham’s EU declaration proves to be bold leadership or political suicide remains to be seen. What’s clear is that his intervention has ensured the Liverpool conference will be dominated by questions about Labour’s future direction—and who might lead it there.
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Image Credit:
Andy Burnham — photo by Rwendland, from “Andy Burnham, 2016 Labour Party Conference 3.jpg” (own work), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 (commons.wikimedia.org)
