The recent choice by Andy Burnham to participate in a progressive rally alongside notable figures from the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats has generated significant discontent among several Labour MPs. Critics argue that his actions could weaken the party’s message ahead of local elections.
Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester and a potential contender for the Labour leadership against Keir Starmer, is scheduled to address the Change:Now event this month, which is organized by the left-leaning organization Compass.
Neal Lawson, the founder of Compass, has been a longstanding advocate for a cooperative progressive alliance across party lines and is a well-known supporter of Burnham.
Additionally, two Labour MPs, Clive Lewis—who has offered to vacate his seat for Burnham—and Miatta Fahnbulleh, the minister for communities, are also set to speak at the event. Other notable speakers include Caroline Lucas, the former leader of the Green Party; James Meadway, head of the Green-affiliated think tank Verdant; Vince Cable, a former cabinet minister from the Liberal Democrats; and Lib Dem MP Roz Savage.
The event aims to illustrate the potential for collaboration among progressives from different parties, a concept Burnham has consistently promoted. However, its scheduling comes just weeks after local elections that see Labour competing directly against the Greens, leading to frustration among some of his colleagues.
Luke Akehurst, the Labour MP for North Durham and a supporter of Starmer, expressed concerns about party members engaging with Green politicians, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding antisemitism within the Green Party. He pointed out that two Green candidates in London had recently been arrested for alleged antisemitic posts on social media, and the party is currently scrutinizing additional candidates for similar issues.
Akehurst stated, “Labour members advocating for a progressive alliance with the Greens should reconsider this approach given the disturbing revelations about antisemitism among their council candidates.”
Another Labour MP voiced frustration, remarking, “Activists and candidates nationwide are striving to secure Labour seats in local councils; now is not the time to discuss alliances. It was already troubling when Andy expressed willingness to collaborate with [Jeremy] Corbyn; now he seeks to partner with another party plagued by antisemitism? It’s unacceptable.”
Burnham has not publicly responded to these criticisms. However, a supporter defended him, saying, “It’s absurd to claim that Andy is endorsing other parties. He is promoting progressive ideas that benefit the Labour Party. Is there a reluctance to share ideas or engage in discussions about the future of progressives?”
Fahnbulleh and Lewis have been approached for their comments on the matter.
The Change:Now event, scheduled for May 30 in East London, will convene think tanks, politicians, and academics for a day dedicated to “debate, disagreement, and deliberation among progressives from all parties.”
Burnham has supported numerous initiatives from Compass in recent years, advocating for measures such as proportional representation and increased cross-party collaboration. Some on the left view this approach as a pragmatic response to the fragmentation of the left-leaning vote, noting that the Green Party’s poll ratings have doubled since last year.
Conversely, others believe Labour should confront the Green Party directly, challenging them on key issues like the economy, national security, and antisemitism. They argue that as the Greens have gained support, they have drawn many from the Labour Party’s Corbynite faction, from which Starmer has taken control to become the leader.
As the days following this week’s elections unfold, scrutiny is expected to intensify on Burnham as he emerges as a key figure among three potential challengers to Starmer, alongside former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Unlike his counterparts, Burnham must first secure a seat in Westminster, a possibility that was denied to him earlier this year when Labour’s ruling national executive committee ruled against his candidacy in Gorton and Denton.
