Key facts
- Andy Burnham is taking over leadership of the Labour party following Keir Starmer's plummeting popularity.
- Starmer faced significant alienation from trade unions and Muslim communities during his tenure.
- Burnham aims to rebuild support by emphasizing public control of services and a different approach to party discipline.
- Key unions like Unite and GMB have expressed concerns over Starmer's policies and leadership.
- Muslim voters are considering alternatives to Labour due to the party's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Andy Burnham is set to lead the Labour party, facing the significant challenge of regaining support from traditional bases that have become disillusioned under the previous leadership of Keir Starmer. Starmer's tenure, which began with optimism after a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, saw his popularity plummet to a record low by September 2025. Analysis indicates a substantial loss of support among trade unions and Muslim communities, key pillars of Labour's historical support.
The relationship between Labour and trade unions has been strained for decades, with donations declining and notable disputes occurring under Starmer's leadership, including the sacking of Sam Tarry and Unite's suspension of Angela Rayner. While Burnham has met with union leaders and emphasized public control of services, potential flashpoints remain, such as the choice of chancellor, with unions divided on Ed Miliband.
Similarly, the Israel-Palestine conflict has deeply divided the party and alienated Muslim voters. Starmer's early remarks on Israel's right to withhold power and water from Gaza drew significant criticism. Despite later policy shifts, recent polls show a substantial portion of British Muslims considering voting for independent candidates or the Green Party. Burnham has sought to distance himself from Starmer's initial response, but his appointment of James Purnell, a former chair of Labour Friends of Israel, as chief of staff has drawn scrutiny.
Starmer also adopted a strict approach to party discipline, suspending MPs and withdrawing the whip more frequently than previous leaders. This alienated many within the parliamentary Labour party. Burnham has pledged to foster a different culture, encouraging open debate and respecting diverse opinions among MPs, though managing a large majority without strict discipline could present its own challenges.