Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is being touted as the best candidate to lead the Labour Party and become the next prime minister, according to Neal Lawson, director of the cross-party campaign organisation Compass. Writing in a recent opinion piece, Lawson argues that Burnham is uniquely positioned to steer Labour away from potential electoral disaster and prevent a Reform-led government.
Electoral Gold Dust
Lawson describes Burnham as "electoral gold dust" due to his high favourability ratings, which surpass those of any other major UK politician. Polling indicates that 34% of the public believe Burnham would be a better prime minister than current leader Keir Starmer, a figure significantly higher than any other Labour contender. Furthermore, data from Stack Data Strategy reveals that 34% of Green voters and 19% of Reform voters would be more likely to support Labour if Burnham were at the helm. Aaron Iftikhar, director of the polling company, notes that Burnham has the "clearest path to winning back voters from both left and right and reuniting Labour's fractured base."
The Case for Burnham's Leadership
Lawson contends that Burnham's popularity is not merely superficial but stems from his substantive policy vision and track record. As mayor, Burnham has championed a model he calls "business-friendly socialism," which involves building long-term progressive consensus for deep economic change. He advocates for proportional representation and greater public ownership of essentials such as water, energy, housing, and transport. Lawson argues that Burnham's approach offers a fresh start, untainted by the past two years of government, and represents a clear alternative to the threat of a Farage-led administration.
Blocked by the NEC
Despite his appeal, Burnham was previously blocked from standing as a Labour candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection, a decision that Lawson claims cost the party a comfortable victory and allowed the Green Party to make a Westminster breakthrough. The Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has been accused of prioritising factional interests over the party's electoral success. Lawson calls on the NEC to issue an urgent statement allowing Burnham to contest any future vacancy, with a timetable that enables local members to decide.
Political Calamity
Lawson warns that blocking Burnham again would be a "political calamity," as he is the only major politician with positive favourability ratings and a clear strategy to defeat Reform. He concludes that ten NEC officers currently stand in Burnham's way, and they must step aside to let him run. "Anything else will be political calamity," Lawson writes, urging the party to embrace Burnham's leadership potential.
The opinion piece has sparked debate about Labour's future direction, with allies of Burnham warning against a quick coronation of other contenders like Wes Streeting if Starmer steps down. As the party grapples with internal divisions and external threats, Burnham's supporters argue that he represents the best hope for reuniting the left and securing a progressive future for the UK.
