Andy Burnham, now the odds-on favourite to become Britain's next Prime Minister in what could be a coronation as other candidates step aside, has remained notably silent on Brexit despite representing a constituency that voted 65% to leave the European Union. The tension between his pro-EU instincts and the views of his Makerfield seat could define his premiership, according to political analysts.
Burnham's Pro-EU Stance vs. Leave Constituency
Burnham has long favoured deeper alignment with Brussels and has spoken of Britain rejoining the EU, belonging to the Labour faction most enthusiastic about a reset of relations with the bloc. However, during the by-election campaign, he kept remarkably silent on the subject. When pressed by this newspaper, he declined to engage and simply jogged away. His office subsequently turned down a request for an interview, giving no reason.
Brexiteers are unconvinced about the legitimacy of Burnham's position. Many senior figures in the Leave campaign fear not an open campaign to rejoin, but a gradual erosion of Brexit by stealth through dynamic alignment with EU rules, deeper concessions on standards, and convergence never put to voters directly.
Electoral Risks and Farage's Opportunity
The electoral risks of such an approach are considerable. Reform UK, beaten into second place in Makerfield, will quickly pounce on any sign of backsliding to court Leave voters across the so-called Red Wall, where Labour remains vulnerable. A Burnham Government seen to be edging back towards Brussels could hand Nigel Farage exactly the dividing line he wants.
This week marks 10 years since the 2016 referendum, a totemic moment in British political history. The Daily Express, which first demanded the UK break free of Brussels, warns that an undermining of Brexit by stealth could embolden those seeking closer ties.
For now, Burnham is keeping his options closed and his language careful. But the Brexit question, long thought settled, has been reopened by his rise, and how he answers it may come to define his time in office.
