Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection positions him for a potential battle for Downing Street. Allies of the outgoing Greater Manchester mayor are pushing for his swift installation as prime minister, while supporters of Keir Starmer urge the Labour leader to resist. If Burnham ascends to the premiership, he will be expected to deliver on the 'change' he promised. Here is a look at his likely policies.
1. Public Ownership of Utilities
Burnham's allies envision a 10-year project to bring major water and energy sectors under public control. The process may start with Thames Water, a struggling utility facing creditor disputes. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds recently opposed a proposed £10bn rescue deal, moving the company closer to nationalisation. Other firms like South East Water could follow. Eventually, Burnham aims to control energy transmission and supply companies, including National Grid, though this could take years and cost billions in investor compensation.
2. Cost of Living Support
Close associates of the new Makerfield MP want immediate action to ease the cost of living. Proposals include heavy state intervention such as a temporary rent freeze and shifting levies from energy bills to general taxation. However, this may require tax increases, forcing difficult political choices. Burnham has pledged not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT, and has suggested cutting employers' national insurance and reducing business rates for pubs. Options like raising capital gains tax, advocated by Wes Streeting, remain possible.
3. Devolution
Burnham stated, 'People here have voted for change, they have voted for more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster. Now let's give that back to them.' This signals a major shift of power from Westminster to regional leaders. Starmer's government is already giving mayors a portion of business rate revenues, but Burnham wants to go further, potentially placing major public services like schools and hospitals under mayoral control.
4. Less Control of MPs
One consequential change could be reforming the whipping system. Burnham has discussed scrapping it entirely, which could cause chaos and prevent manifesto implementation. Instead, he may allow more conscience votes and fewer three-line whips, and reduce briefing notes for MPs to let them speak freely. This approach may require voter adjustment to public ministerial disagreements.
5. Voting Reform
Burnham has been convinced of the need to end first-past-the-post since becoming Greater Manchester mayor in 2017, arguing it centralises power in London. Manchester's transferable-vote system made every vote count. He has not specified a replacement but wants a national commission on electoral reform to recommend changes for the next Labour manifesto.
