Labour chiefs have been warned they must placate disgruntled party members who are angry at the lack of democracy in the leadership race, as Andy Burnham is expected to become leader without a contest. MPs have told the party there are growing complaints from members about the lack of involvement if Burnham does not face a leadership challenge from any other MP.
Plans for Burnham's coronation face scrutiny
Labour is understood to have considered hiring Everton FC's ground to announce Burnham – a lifelong Everton fan – as the new Labour leader. However, insiders have raised concerns that hiring the venue in advance, before the official deadline for nominations has opened, could appear too presumptive to members disappointed about a lack of contest.
Party bosses are planning to organise Q&A events online to replace hustings that would have taken place in a leadership contest. Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, is expected to become Labour leader at a special conference on 17 July, provided no other candidate secures more than 81 nominations from MPs, which now looks highly unlikely. Nominations will open a week earlier, and Burnham is expected to get the backing of hundreds of MPs and ministers.
NEC moves to address discontent
Several members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) told the Guardian there had been other moves to try to placate disgruntled members and trade unions who were unhappy about the idea of a coronation for Burnham on democratic grounds. Trade unions will get the opportunity to express endorsements over nominations week from 9 July – or decline to give one. This has required a “tweak” to the Labour rulebook because unions would usually nominate during the course of a contest. Union leaders have said they must be allowed to give a formal view before Burnham is crowned Labour leader.
Burnham, who has spent the last fortnight in talks with groups of MPs and ministers, met affiliated trade union leaders on Thursday afternoon. A number are planning to quiz the PM-in-waiting about plans for oil and gas licences, as well as care worker visas.
Rank-and-file members express frustration
Members of the NEC who represent constituency parties said there was also unhappiness from rank-and-file members about a lack of input in the process of choosing a new leader. The party is expected to organise online sessions for members with Burnham once he becomes leader. He is expected to enter Number 10 as prime minister on Monday 20 July.
In her report from the NEC, CLP representative Ann Black said many members were “upset by Starmer’s departure… We all need to acknowledge that, and end the tradition of driving out supporters of the previous leader every time we get a new one.”
Several MPs said they had been on the receiving end of angry criticism from members during meetings in May and June – many of whom were critical about removing Starmer as leader. MPs said the anger from members came from a range of political viewpoints, including members who had previously supported Jeremy Corbyn and had been unhappy with the leadership challenge from Owen Smith.
“There is a lot of affection for Andy but there is also anger about party disunity,” one MP said. Another added: “Andy’s been showing a lot of interest in meeting MPs and engaging on lots of issues which has been excellent but he needs to show that to party members as well. He’s likely to have been the choice of the membership but we can’t afford to see mass departures over this leadership change because people feel ignored.”
