Andy Burnham has warned that the UK is veering towards the “poisonous” politics seen in the United States under the current Labour leadership.
The Greater Manchester Mayor, who has been openly critical of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, made the comments during a campaign speech, lamenting that discourse is becoming increasingly polarised and “communities don’t work together any more”.
Mr Burnham, who harbours ambitions to return to Westminster and is contesting next week’s Makerfield by-election, asked the audience: “Does anyone here feel that we can just stay on the path that we’re on as a country? It doesn’t feel doable, does it?
“It doesn’t feel that we’re heading in the right direction. It doesn’t feel like we’re heading to better lives for people.
“Things are getting harder, and politics is getting more polarised, and the path we’re on, if we are not careful, is a path towards the politics of the United States of America, a polarised, poisonous politics where people in communities don’t work together any more.”
His remarks follow recent comments where he indicated he would not be “squeamish” about reducing the welfare bill to help fund defence spending.
This stance emerged after the resignations of defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns over the delayed defence investment plan. It has been a testing week for Starmer, although the prime minister has remained defiant, insisting that his defence funding plan is sufficient to keep Britain safe.
However, Burnham, who has held the position as the Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, asserted that “the world has changed” and it was “obvious” the government would need to adjust its defence spending assumptions.
The Makerfield by-election is scheduled for Thursday 18 June, with Burnham expected to face a challenge from Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon.
The by-election was called last month after Josh Simons stepped down to give Burnham a path back to Westminster.
Should Burnham win, he would then return to Westminster, and he may then set his sights on challenging Starmer for the Labour Leadership following his criticism of the prime minister just days before the critical by-election.