Andy Burnham has met the leaders of the trade unions that help fund the Labour Party, seeking support ahead of his expected premiership. The meeting, held at Unison’s headquarters, was described by union sources as “positive”.
The presumptive prime minister, who launched his bid to replace Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, has suggested he wants local communities to be given “greater public control of essential services”. The GMB union raised the issue of water ownership and union access to workplaces. Unison pressed for changes to immigration policy for migrant care workers facing longer waits for permanent residency, and Burnham is thought to be open to amending this. Unite pushed for a wealth tax, more cost-of-living action, and details on reindustrialisation. Burnham’s commitment to fiscal rules on debt and borrowing was also questioned.
“Andy Burnham meets union leaders, with Miliband's possible chancellorship a flashpoint ahead of expected premiership.”
Trade union support is a crucial step to becoming a Labour leadership candidate. As well as backing from 20% of Labour MPs, candidates need support from 5% of constituency Labour Parties or at least three affiliates – two being trade unions. Burnham is so far the sole candidate and could become prime minister as early as 20 July.
A central point of contention is the possible appointment of Ed Miliband as chancellor. Unite leader Sharon Graham, who represents oil and gas workers, has openly criticised Miliband, saying he would “put a noose around the neck of job creation”. Miliband has repeatedly dismissed calls for new oil and gas licences in the North Sea. GMB general secretary Gary Smith has called the government’s net zero policies on North Sea oil and gas “shameful” and “economic madness”. At a private meeting with Burnham last week, Smith expressed energy workers’ concerns. But Unison general secretary Andrea Egan has backed Miliband for chancellor. Wes Streeting, Sir Keir’s former health secretary, is also mooted as chancellor, though no promises have been given.
Meanwhile, Burnham’s devolutionary instincts may ease relations with Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney. In an article for the Scotsman, Burnham wrote: “After 10 years of political turbulence since Brexit, and 20 years of falling living standards since the financial crash, 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.”
Burnham’s proposal to take essential utilities under public control mirrors Scotland’s model, where Scottish Water, a state quango, controls the water industry. The Scottish government is unlikely to follow England’s mayoral route – “just another needless layer”, a senior figure told the New Statesman – but is considering greater devolution to regions and ultra-local communities.
Both governments face similar challenges: too many young people at university versus college and apprenticeships, reindustrialisation around defence and renewables, housebuilding, rejuvenating high streets, tackling the rising welfare bill, and creating a renewed social contract to see off populist parties.