Change, not continuity, must be Burnham’s mantra

As MPs return from recess to the corridors of Westminster, Burnham will address the Commons for the first time from the front bench in 16 years. He will use the occasion to put public control of public services at the heart of his priorities over the months ahead, no doubt welcome news to the party grassroots ahead of conference.

It is this new approach, radical policies to fix Britain, coupled with his star power of connecting with voters through social media, that has restored Labour’s electoral chances over the summer. As the shine comes off Reform and the Greens, recent polls have shown strong favourability for Burnham as Labour reached 30 percent in one opinion poll over the summer.

All of this leaves me puzzled as to why Chancellor John Healey, in an interview with Sky News last week, said Burnham’s government offered “continuity” from the Starmer administration. His downplaying of the government’s commitment to hike defence spending – the very issue that prompted Healey’s resignation from Starmer’s government – also risks people questioning the principles of Burnham and his ministers.

Of course, there is no suggestion that Burnham should jettison every commitment and policy set out by his predecessor. Many achievements during his time, such as the Employment Rights Act, were important Labour accomplishments – and a complete abandonment of the 2024 manifesto would pile pressure on the government for a snap election.

However, Burnham’s opportunity lies precisely in demonstrating to the public that his government is different. If voters believe they are simply being offered Starmerism with a new face at the top, they will have little reason to change their minds about Labour.

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With the public impatient for change and willing to look elsewhere if they don’t see it, continuity will not cut it. If the last six weeks have been anything to go by, Burnham intrinsically understands that – with his willingness to offer up quick wins to the electorate rather than hoping to satisfy them with the promise of ‘jam tomorrow’.

Burnham faces major tests in the coming weeks, as he grapples with the Budget and the big questions facing the country on immigration, welfare and even electoral reform. The Prime Minister should grasp the nettle and not shirk away from offering bold solutions to the country’s challenges.

Labour promised the country change in 2024 – it’s time that we deliver the radical transformation they voted for.

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