As by-elections loom and Labour leadership speculation swirls, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham finds himself confronting a familiar political headache: Brexit. The episode of BBC Newscast examines whether Burnham's ambitions to return to Westminster as MP for Makerfield are complicated by his nuanced stance on Europe.
Burnham, a prominent figure in the 'Labour for a People's Vote' campaign during the 2019 election, now faces a constituency that voted heavily to Leave. His strategy appears to be one of cautious ambiguity, emphasizing economic devolution and 'Manchesterism' rather than directly challenging Brexit. But critics question whether this approach will satisfy both pro-Remain Labour members and Leave voters in the North West.
The podcast also touches on the broader Labour leadership 'shadow contest,' with Burnham often seen as a potential successor to Keir Starmer. Starmer has ruled out setting a departure timetable, but jostling for position is already underway.
While the analysis is largely focused on Burnham's political calculations, the story underscores the lingering relevance of Brexit in UK politics—especially as by-elections in traditionally Labour seats test the party's appeal to working-class voters who abandoned them over the issue.