Andy Burnham has backed a cap on political donations and ruled out a second Scottish independence referendum as he prepares to become prime minister on 20 July, while facing pressure from Labour figures on cabinet diversity, tax policy and the football stadium booze ban.
In an email exchange seen by the BBC, Burnham – who is widely expected to replace Sir Keir Starmer – said a cap “would guard against the perception of any one party being unduly influenced”. He suggested £500,000, though Labour MP Alex Sobel has tabled an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill capping donations at £1m. Sobel’s cap would not apply to trade unions, Labour’s traditional largest donors.
“Andy Burnham backs £500k donation cap, rules out second Scottish referendum as Starmer hands over power.”
The push comes as Starmer admitted “one of the failings” of his administration was the struggle to set out a “simple and accessible vision for Britain’s future”. In a Substack post titled “passing on the torch”, he urged his successor to lead “a battle for the soul of the nation” and prioritise investment in children.
Meanwhile, former deputy leader Harriet Harman said the number of women in Burnham’s cabinet is a “central issue” for female Labour MPs.
Burnham has also hinted at lifting the 40-year-old ban on drinking alcohol within sight of a football pitch. In a video posted on X, he pointed to Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram holding a pint at Everton’s stadium. “There’s something wrong there,” Burnham said, noting that fans at women’s football, rugby and cricket can drink. The law, introduced in 1985 to combat hooliganism, was relaxed for the Women’s Super League last month.
On tax, Sir Tony Blair’s institute has cautioned Burnham against equalising capital gains tax with income tax, warning it would “send entirely the wrong signal” to entrepreneurs. Burnham, who served in Blair’s government, said there was “room for movement” within Labour’s manifesto commitments not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT. Former health secretary Wes Streeting and top Burnham backer Louise Haigh have both called for capital gains tax to be aligned with income tax.
On the constitution, Burnham told the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party this week he was “not willing to consider” giving the SNP another independence vote.
As Burnham prepares to take office, Labour’s general secretary Hollie Ridley is stepping down, creating a vacancy Burnham could use to stamp his mark on the party. Possible successors include Co-operative Party chief Joe Fortune and former Unison leader Christina McAnea.