The leader of one of the UK's largest teaching unions has endorsed Andy Burnham, describing him as Labour's best chance to defeat Reform UK in a general election. NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack made the comments to the Guardian ahead of Thursday's Makerfield byelection, where the Greater Manchester mayor aims to return to parliament and potentially launch a leadership challenge.
Warn of Reform's threat to education
Wrack cautioned that a Reform-led government would be catastrophic for teachers and schools. He noted that his members have already faced hostility from Reform-controlled local authorities, with councillors refusing to engage and accusing teachers of indoctrinating children. 'A Reform government would be devastating for teachers, devastating for education and devastating for trade unions, and very scary,' he said. He added that Reform would move quickly to attack union rights and equality legislation, unlike the current Labour government's hesitancy.
Burnham as Labour's best hope
Wrack, who led the Fire Brigades Union for 20 years before taking over at NASUWT, said he had previous dealings with Burnham. 'I suppose he's Labour's probable best chance of beating Reform in Makerfield. He 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.'
Call for robust policy change
After 14 years of Conservative austerity, Wrack argued the public needs more significant change than the current Labour government has delivered. He criticized the government's white paper expecting all schools to join academy trusts, calling it a continuation of Tory policy. 'People expected something different from the Labour government, and what we've got is a continuation of Tory policy on academisation.' He expressed hope that Burnham would reverse this if he became prime minister.
Concerns over Send overhaul
Wrack also voiced concerns about the government's planned reforms to special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision. He warned that teachers' voices have not been heard and that new expectations could be placed on schools without adequate funding. 'I think there's a big risk for teachers in the Send proposals... The government needs to sit down with people on the frontline of teaching and listen to their experience.'
Industrial action and defence spending
Wrack discussed possible industrial action over pay and underfunding, and expressed frustration at the lack of public debate on increased defence spending while education suffers. 'I find it galling that there's no debate on the issue, that it is simply presented as a debate that has already finished, even though it never took place.'
