Andy Burnham hits back at Labour critics over challenge to Starmer

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During the Labour party conference, Andy Burnham faced criticism from fellow Labour members for challenging Keir Starmer amidst rumors about the prime minister’s leadership. The Greater Manchester mayor defended himself against accusations of launching a premature takeover bid, stating that such criticism was hard to swallow. At a live recording of the Guardian’s Politics Weekly podcast in Liverpool, Burnham refrained from confirming any discussions with Labour MPs about returning to Westminster for a leadership challenge, citing his current position as mayor as a limitation.

Despite mounting speculation about his leadership ambitions, Burnham sought to dampen the rumors by emphasizing his inability to launch a leadership campaign while not a member of parliament. Refuting claims made by Rachel Reeves regarding fiscal policies, he argued for a more progressive approach to make public money go further. Burnham also resisted calls from Alan Johnson to rule out a leadership bid, highlighting the necessity for advocating ideas to combat Reform within the party. He urged for radical strategies to secure seats in upcoming elections across Wales, Scotland, and other regions of the UK.

Critiquing the government’s economic policies, Burnham proposed several changes including revising fiscal rules to support investment, abolishing the two-child benefit cap, implementing a land value tax, and reviewing council tax. He defended his stance on bond markets and borrowing, emphasizing the need for flexibility in debt rules to increase capital investment. Burnham criticized government initiatives like digital ID cards and reluctance towards rejoining the European Union, expressing skepticism towards both. He highlighted the importance of proposing bold ideas without compromising principles, to counter the populist right’s assertive narratives in the political landscape

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