Key facts
- Andy Burnham promised Labour MPs he would not use party discipline to "stifle debate".
- He aims to create a culture where MPs can speak out without fear of retribution.
- Burnham intends to foster a partnership approach to policy and legislation development.
- He pledged to ensure cabinet ministers and himself would routinely vote in parliament.
- Burnham is expected to be the sole candidate for Labour leadership.
Andy Burnham has pledged to Labour MPs that he will not use party discipline to "stifle debate," aiming to foster a more open and collaborative culture within the party. As nominations for the Labour leadership open, Burnham is the expected sole candidate to replace Keir Starmer.
In a letter to MPs, Burnham promised to change the party's management style, which had been criticized under Starmer for its strict approach to discipline. He stated that the Whips' Office should serve as an HR department rather than a source of fear, encouraging MPs to raise disagreements and policy ideas without apprehension.
Burnham outlined his intention to lead on culture change, political direction, and narrative, while actively seeking the diverse experiences and opinions of MPs. He committed to ensuring cabinet ministers and himself would regularly attend parliamentary meetings and vote in the House of Commons, a practice criticized under Starmer. Appointments to his cabinet and ministerial team would be based on merit and represent the "broad church" of the Labour movement.
He also proposed a shift towards a partnership approach in policy and legislation development, moving away from the traditional method of ministers and civil servants presenting finalized drafts. Burnham expressed interest in modernizing Parliament to be less adversarial and more collaborative, emphasizing a focus on "place first, not party first" and "problem solving, not point scoring."
Burnham has begun discussions with the civil service and has been meeting with hundreds of MPs and ministers to discuss their roles and the future direction of the party. His chief of staff is James Purnell, and former transport secretary Louise Haigh is expected to take a significant cabinet role.