Andy Burnham has made a pitch to Labour MPs promising a change of culture in the way their views are valued after some complained that Keir Starmer had presided over “a reign of terror”.
In a one-candidate leadership hustings to MPs over Zoom on Monday evening, The Independent understands that Mr Burnham emphasised his desire to recognise that Labour “is a broad church” with a wide range of views.
The hustings took place as Mr Burnham was confirmed at the next prime minister after receiving an extra 27 nominations from Labour MPs on Monday, taking his total to 349.
Labour MPs had complained that Sir Keir’s period as leader had seen “narrow factionalism” with MPs being suspended from the party whip over policy disagreements sometimes only for the leadership to U-turn and agree with them.
They include a number of MP temporarily kicked out of Labour for wanting to end the two-child benefit cap which Sir Keir eventually agreed to and has now claimed it is part of his legacy. Meanwhile, Mr Burnham has promised to restore the whip to Hull MP Karl Turner who was suspended over his disagreement on watering down the right to jury trial.
In a briefing for the hustings seen by The Independent, Mr Burnham was preparing to ask Labour MPs to “make sure he is accountable, visible and accessible to the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). He said: “We need a feedback loop of the PLP into communities and back to the leadership and cabinet. It is essential for good policy-making and delivery.
He was also due to emphasise that “the Labour movement is, and always has been, a broad church. Cabinet and appointments will reflect that, alongside contribution, experience and commitment”.
Mr Burnham opened his remarks though by paying tribute to former Tory and Reform heavyweight Ann Widdecombe, who was killed last week, saying his and the PLP’s thoughts go out to her friends and family and all who loved her.
He insisted that “this is a moment to come together, think of her family and ensure the police have the resources and space they need to ensure justice is brought following this appalling act of violence.”
In his first opportunity to address the PLP in its entirety, Andy set out his priorities for the country: good growth in every postcode, more power in communities, and putting the cost of living front and centre in the work of the government to provide breathing space for people.
He paid tribute to Sir Keir for delivering on his promise to the Hillsborough families
The former Greater Manchester mayor, who recently won the Makerfield by-election, underlined his aim to create “a team and culture where everyone is valued, seen and listened to.” He warned that “this is a significant moment for the country, and our constituents are counting on all of us to come together.”
And he pledged to lead from the front on culture change, political direction and narrative. But change of this magnitude is a team effort, he will need everyone to play their part.
Prior to the hustings one Labour MP described Mr Burnham coming in as “a great relief.”
The MP said: “We lived under a sort of reign of terror with Keir. The threats and nastiness for even standing up for your constituents was awful.
“Andy is like a liberation, not just a breath of fresh air.”
After the hustings, one backbencher said: “It was a breath of fresh air. Thoughtful and informed answers to every question.”
Another noted that it was “a big contrast to what has gone on before.”
They said: “Very welcome indeed the way he again stressed the importance in principle and practice of a broad church, people being respected for voting with their constituents and their consciences. That was particularly welcome for the left of the PLP.”
He has also committed to meet the Black PLP once every three months.
Another MP from the left said: “He’s meeting and listening more than Sir Keir Starmer did. He’s saying the right things about insourcing and industrialization.”
But not all MPs thought it was worthwhile attending.
One said: “I wasn’t there. I was at a dinner instead. I figured I could read all the leaks and just pretend I was there.”