Key facts
- Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election.
- Burnham's victory positions him as a potential challenger for the Labour leadership and the role of UK Prime Minister.
- Allies are outlining an agenda focused on public control of utilities and cost of living support.
- Burnham has previously served in Cabinet and as Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Andy Burnham has secured a parliamentary seat following a win in the Makerfield by-election, positioning him as a potential challenger for the Labour leadership and the role of UK Prime Minister. His allies are outlining an agenda that includes public ownership of utilities and cost of living support measures.
Burnham, 56, has consistently advocated for a shift away from London's dominance and a return to government control over essential services, criticizing the impact of deindustrialization, privatization, austerity, and Brexit on the UK. He has also expressed concerns about the influence of bond markets on economic policy.
Should Burnham ascend to the leadership, his proposed economic agenda could include maintaining current fiscal rules and the triple lock pension, increasing council taxes on expensive homes, allowing mayors to introduce rent controls, and re-routing public investment towards building council houses. He is also considering paving the way for the nationalization of energy companies, challenging the Bank of England on quantitative tightening, and potentially raising wealth taxes by closing capital gains tax loopholes and inheritance tax reliefs.
Burnham's path to Downing Street involves securing support from Labour members, unions, and appeasing financial markets. His team would aim to downplay potential negative market reactions, such as rising gilt yields and a weaker pound, that could arise from his policies. The selection of key figures like Ed Miliband as Chancellor and the potential appointment of figures such as Wes Streeting or Chris Curtis to the Cabinet will be closely watched by City analysts and investors.