Burnham plans summer tour of UK to win over voters in Labour ‘danger zones’

Sources indicate that Burnham's pitch will centre on positive change and addressing the concerns of communities directly, rather than assigning blame to other parties. Potential visit locations include Aberdeen, where Labour's North Sea oil and gas policy has faced criticism, and Port Talbot in Wales, a steelmaking town impacted by industrial changes. The tour also targets areas described as 'left behind' by Westminster, including deprived regions in the south of England, towns affected by economic turbulence, and rural constituencies where farmers have expressed dissatisfaction with Labour's tax policies.

Burnham's strategists aim to set a different tone from Keir Starmer's initial months as leader, which were marked by a focus on 'painful' years ahead and a less optimistic outlook. Recent events, such as the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance and a donations scandal, have also influenced the party's public perception. Burnham's team believes that voters are tired of political blame games and are more receptive to a message of proactive change from Labour itself.

Burnham, who has historically highlighted the divide between the north and south of England, is also being urged to spend time in London and the south of England, as well as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. His emphatic victory in Makerfield, which saw progressive voters unite against Nigel Farage's Reform UK, is seen as a key factor in his appeal. Allies suggest that Burnham needs to 'dominate the summer' with positive announcements, similar to Reform UK's strategy in the previous year, to ensure he remains the main story rather than being overshadowed by byelection contests like the one in Clacton.