Andy Burnham has met the leaders of the trade unions that help fund the Labour Party at Unison’s headquarters, seeking support as he prepares to become prime minister. Union sources described the meeting as “positive”, but tensions are already bubbling beneath the surface.
The GMB union raised the issue of water ownership and union access to workplaces, while Unison pressed for changes to immigration rules affecting migrant care workers who face longer waits for permanent residency. Unite demanded a wealth tax, more action on the cost of living and clarity on Burnham’s reindustrialisation plans. His commitment to maintaining fiscal rules on debt and borrowing was also questioned.
“Andy Burnham meets union leaders and signals devolution plans as he prepares to become prime minister.”
Burnham, so far the sole candidate for the Labour leadership, could become prime minister as early as 20 July if no other challenger emerges. To secure the nomination, he needs the backing of 20% of Labour MPs and either 5% of constituency parties or at least three affiliated organisations – two of which must be trade unions.
A central point of contention is the possible appointment of Ed Miliband as chancellor. Unite leader Sharon Graham has openly criticised Miliband, saying he would “put a noose around the neck of job creation”. Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB, described the government’s net zero policies on North Sea oil and gas as “shameful” and “economic madness”. But Andrea Egan of Unison has backed Miliband. Wes Streeting, the former health secretary whose resignation helped unseat Sir Keir Starmer, has also been mooted as chancellor.
Burnham’s first speech since launching his bid suggested he wanted local communities to have “greater public control of essential services”. That instinct extends beyond England. In an article for the Scotsman, Burnham wrote: “Westminster has not been working for people… it is broken. We will make politics work for you, and the place where you live. The days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over. For good.”
The presumptive prime minister has proposed a “No 10 North”, shifting levers of government from London – language that echoes the principles behind Holyrood and the Senedd. There is policy crossover with Scotland: his Bee bus network mirrors Edinburgh’s Lothian buses, and his plan to bring utilities under public control resembles Scottish Water, a state quango.
But Scottish First Minister John Swinney’s government is unlikely to adopt English-style mayors, viewing them as “just another needless layer”, a senior figure told the New Statesman. Instead, Scotland is exploring more ultra-local devolution. Similar conversations are happening on both sides of the border: about whether too many young people go to university, reindustrialisation around defence and renewables, housing, the welfare bill, and how to rebuild public trust.
The question now is whether these two “monarchs” can work together more effectively than their predecessors – and whether Burnham can reconcile union expectations with his broader devolution agenda.