Andy Burnham has promised Labour MPs that he will never use party discipline to “stifle debate” and says they should raise problems and policy ideas “without fear or favour”. In a letter to MPs, the prime minister in waiting addressed frustrations backbenchers had with Keir Starmer’s strict approach to party management, including the routine withdrawal of the whip from rebellious MPs.
Burnham’s Vision for a New Culture
Burnham said he would change the culture of fear around party whips, stating: “I want to create a different culture where MPs are happy and fulfilled doing their jobs, where everyone has a part to play and where opinions and approaches are respected, even where there’s difference.” He added: “The Whips’ Office should be our HR department, not something to be feared or where discipline is used to stifle debate.”
Leadership Race and Nominations
Nominations for the Labour leadership open on Thursday, with Burnham expected to be the only candidate. Former armed forces minister Al Carns confirmed on Wednesday night he would not enter the race. Burnham’s backers hope to receive hundreds of nominations from MPs as a strong mandate.
Engagement and Accountability
Burnham pledged to “lead from the front on culture change, political direction and narrative” but stressed the importance of hearing MPs’ breadth of experience. He said all cabinet and ministers would be instructed to meaningfully engage with MPs, and he would be “visible and accountable” by attending parliamentary Labour party meetings, committees, and groups for women and ethnic minorities regularly.
Voting and Cabinet Appointments
Burnham also promised that he and the cabinet would routinely vote in parliament—a contrast to Starmer, who was criticised for rarely doing so. “I understand the importance of voting together as equals. My expectation for myself and ministers is that voting is a core part of the job,” he said. On cabinet appointments, Burnham said he would build a team that “represents the broad church of our movement” and that all appointments would be “made on merit.” He acknowledged that some MPs felt their skills were undervalued and vowed to ensure everyone’s skills are put to good use.
Policy Development and Modernisation
Cabinet ministers will be required to spend significant time on engagement during policy development. “I want a new approach to politics where we take much more of a partnership approach to policies and legislation. The usual way of ministers and civil servants drafting legislation and presenting it as a fait accompli needs to end,” Burnham said. He also expressed interest in modernising parliament to make it less adversarial and more collaborative.
Broader Vision
“Politics hasn’t been good enough, but I know we can do better. Our government will change the way the country is run: place first, not party first; problem solving, not point scoring,” Burnham said. “We will take power out of Whitehall and Westminster and put it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best. This is a moment where we can lift living standards and get Britain believing in itself again.”
Cabinet Talks and Allies
Burnham has yet to name any cabinet members but has begun talks with the civil service alongside his chief of staff, James Purnell, and former transport secretary Louise Haigh, a close ally expected to receive a significant cabinet role. Over the past fortnight, Burnham has met hundreds of MPs in parliament, as well as ministers lobbying to keep their positions.
