Burnham Engages Trade Union Leaders Ahead of Premiership Bid
Andy Burnham is holding discussions with leaders of the trade unions that financially support the Labour Party as he seeks to consolidate backing ahead of his anticipated premiership.
The meeting is taking place at the headquarters of Unison, one of the 11 unions affiliated with the party, according to Unison sources who spoke to the BBC.
In a speech delivered on Monday, his first since announcing his candidacy to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, Burnham indicated his desire for local communities to have
"greater public control of essential services".
The GMB union is expected to raise several issues with Burnham, including the ownership of water, promoting British-made products, support for school staff, and equal pay, according to sources.
Securing trade union support is a crucial step toward becoming a candidate for the Labour leadership.
Burnham declared his intention to stand shortly after being elected as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield. Currently, he is the only candidate, and if this remains the case, he could assume the role of prime minister as early as 20 July.
Contention Over Potential Chancellor Appointment
A significant point of disagreement between some unions and Burnham concerns the possible appointment of Ed Miliband as his chancellor.
The general secretaries of Unite and the GMB union—both representing workers in the fossil fuel sector—have strongly opposed Miliband due to his policies on North Sea oil drilling during his tenure as energy secretary.
Miliband has consistently rejected calls to approve new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.
Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB, has characterized the government's net zero policies affecting the North Sea oil and gas industries as
"shameful" and "economic madness". He reportedly discussed the prospect of a Miliband chancellorship with Burnham during a meeting last week, as reported by the Financial Times.
Conversely, Andrea Egan, the general secretary of Unison, has expressed support for Miliband as chancellor, according to .
Another candidate reportedly considered for the chancellorship in a Burnham government is Wes Streeting, Sir Keir Starmer's former health secretary, whose resignation contributed to Starmer's downfall.
Additional Discussion Topics: Electoral Reform
Among other subjects potentially discussed between Burnham and the unions on Thursday is electoral reform.
Critics argue that the first-past-the-post system allows candidates to be elected with a relatively low share of the vote, which they say undermines democratic representation. Supporters contend it produces decisive outcomes and, theoretically, more stable governments.
Burnham has long advocated for reform, stating during the Makerfield by-election campaign on BBC Radio Manchester:
"I do think there needs to be reform to the electoral system to enable less point-scoring, more problem-solving."
Eight of Labour's 11 affiliated trade unions also formally support electoral reform.
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