Andy Burnham has indicated that he would initiate reforms to the struggling social care system this year if he were to become prime minister, criticizing Westminster for avoiding challenging policy issues.

The mayor of Greater Manchester emphasized that politicians need to embrace “the weight of the system” that obstructs significant changes as he outlined his vision for governance in the event he wins the Makerfield byelection.

Having previously attempted to reform the social care system during his tenure as Labour’s health secretary in 2009, Burnham highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing crisis. At that time, he proposed a levy on estates to fund universal social care, and more recently, he has suggested replacing inheritance tax with a progressive “care levy” aimed at establishing a national care service.

“The urgency to reform social care is clear, and I am open to exploring all related implications concerning inheritance tax and care charges. I will not shy away from this,” he stated.

He proposed accelerating the Casey review, which is set to provide recommendations, including funding strategies, by 2028, expressing his desire for it to be released by the end of 2026 and to include immediate actionable measures.

In a conversation with the Guardian while campaigning in Makerfield, where he faces a challenge from Reform UK to retain Labour’s seat, Burnham also remarked that:

• Labour should embrace a more inclusive approach, allowing for greater representation of the party’s left wing while ensuring that Jeremy Corbyn is not readmitted.
• He indicated that there would not be an immediate election if he were to take over from Keir Starmer, while responding to accusations regarding a leadership campaign.
• He defended his stance that politicians should not be overly reliant on bond markets and refuted claims that adhering to Rachel Reeves’ fiscal rules would limit his options.
• He argued against a second Brexit referendum but expressed a desire to see the UK rejoin the EU within his lifetime.
• He commended Shabana Mahmood for courageously addressing significant immigration issues.

Since his selection for the seat, Burnham has carefully balanced articulating his vision for government with clarifying that he is not using the byelection as a pathway to power. He affirmed his complete focus on winning the byelection, describing inquiries about potential cabinet appointments as “odd.”

“I am not making any assumptions about the future beyond the byelection, as many variables will come into play,” he said.

“The local electorate sent a strong message in the May elections. They are clearly expressing that ‘politics is not serving us’… If we do not address this now, how far are we from becoming as divided as the United States?”

Burnham noted the “shallowness” of Westminster, which he believes has led to numerous unresolved critical issues, and mentioned experiencing a sense of “sadness” from constituents due to the lack of meaningful change.

“I refuse to make promises I cannot keep, as this has contributed to the public’s diminishing trust in politics,” he asserted.

He dismissed concerns that he had limited his flexibility by committing to fiscal rules, stating, “In fact, these rules have unlocked substantial resources for public investment, and the focus should be on utilizing that funding effectively. It can be allocated in various ways.”

While in Manchester, he took steps to bring buses back under public control and reduced fares from £4 to £2. On a national scale, he proposed reallocating £39 billion designated for social and affordable housing towards social housing projects. He advocated for increased fiscal devolution, including the introduction of a tourist tax by local councils.

Burnham suggested replacing the “unjust” council tax with a land value tax and emphasized that public sector procurement should prioritize domestic industries.

He sought to clarify his comments regarding politicians being “in hock” to bond markets, asserting that they had been misconstrued for political purposes.

“My contention is that politicians have left the country financially burdened. By relinquishing control, as we did, we lose the ability to manage public spending effectively and efficiently,” he explained.

“My argument centers on regaining that control to create fiscal space without constantly looking over our shoulders.”

Addressing immigration, a frequent topic among constituents in Makerfield, Burnham supported Mahmood’s controversial reforms. “I commend the home secretary for confronting pressing issues,” he remarked.

He expressed a willingness to tackle concerns surrounding small boat crossings, stating, “We must explore more robust solutions.” However, he also emphasized the need for a balanced approach, ensuring safe pathways for refugees to reach the UK and facilitating work opportunities for those already present, rather than allowing them to remain in prolonged uncertainty.

Burnham argued that a Labour government should move past internal divisions and “draw on all factions” within the party to form a more inclusive movement, hinting at the possibility of incorporating left-wing members into ministerial roles should he gain power.

In a subtle critique of Starmer’s leadership style, he noted how Labour MPs had faced disciplinary actions after dissenting from party lines on policy matters, emphasizing his commitment to fostering unity.

“While I can appreciate the humor in jokes about party factions, it reflects more about those who tell them than about me, as it reveals their divisive nature,” he stated. “I have always identified as a Labour politician focused on uniting people, fostering a positive environment, and promoting collaboration. That is my political philosophy.”