Why I’m backing Andy Burnham for leader

By Jo Jewell

As one of the younger members of the Labour Party, I grew up and became politically conscious under a government that reflected my own views and convictions in many of its policies. I came to accept that social justice and equality underpinned government policy. I now find myself for the first time in a situation whereby the government in power does not share my values and does not propose a vision for Britain that I support and I am angry.

I find it highly frustrating that in this time of economic crisis, precisely at the moment when you need a strong government to protect services, we are faced with brutal cuts. I am disappointed that people let political fatigue cloud their judgement when voting, and showed complete disregard for the huge advances made under the Labour government. That is why I am committed to supporting a reinvigorated party with a strong leader; a leader that prioritises the need to tackle social inequalities and seeks to bring real change to the lives of those who need it the most. I am supporting a candidate who has demonstrated his commitment to the electorate, and a candidate who has shown great political skill in navigating complex dossiers, but moreover a candidate who recognised that there is always more to be done. That is why I am supporting Andy Burnham for leader.

As secretary of state for health, Andy Burnham grasped the vital role health plays as a springboard for our most deprived communities. The National Health Service, the pillar of social policy, is fundamental to Labour Party values and Andy Burnham showed great respect for the optimal management and delivery of services. He demonstrated the right perspectives on quality of care and access to services but also prioritised the promotion of good public health. He showed a willingness to improve the day-to-day environment in which people lived, to allow them to maximise their opportunities for health. He was a strong advocate of policies to tackle obesity and alcohol-related harm, and took a strong stance on the harmful activities of the food and drinks industry. If we look at how the Tories have already capitulated to the food industry in attacking the independent Food Standards Agency, have refused to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol and have balked at implementing proposals by the Labour government to ban the display of tobacco at the point of sale, then the picture for health is very gloomy. During his time as health secretary, Burnham had great insight and showed great leadership in introducting new initiatives that will have a positive impact on the health of future generations. Such initiatives must not be lost.

If Labour’s fundamental goal is to radically improve the lives of those living in Britain, then the public health agenda must be at our heart. Burnham succeeded in leading a visionary and comprehensive health programme that worked with necessary environmental, trade, taxation, transport, agricultural and education policy experts; this overview of major policy areas cannot and must not be underestimated.

I joined Labour to fight for our progressive causes and I am wholeheartedly convinced that Andy Burnham is the candidate who has the passion and the knowledge to deliver on Labour’s equality pledges. Join Labour today for £1 and join Andy’s campaign.