Andy Burnham has once again demonstrated his pattern of policy reversals, this time appearing to run scared of Nigel Farage and Reform UK. The newly elected Makerfield MP is reportedly hesitant to call a snap election to seek legitimacy for his plans to overhaul Sir Keir Starmer's 2024 manifesto, a move critics call hypocritical given his past demands for the Conservatives to call an election after changing leaders.
Burnham's history of U-turns
Burnham's record is littered with flip-flops. He initially opposed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plan to extend the time for immigrants to gain permanent residency from five to ten years, then appeared to back it, and now is reportedly set to water it down. He has also reversed on trans women's bathroom access, EU membership, and welfare access for immigrants. As one commentator noted, 'The man U-turns on his U-turns so often he must have vertigo.'
Fear of Reform UK
The Labour leader-in-waiting seems particularly rattled by Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, which has surged in polls. Burnham's reluctance to call a general election suggests he lacks confidence in his own mandate. 'Scared of Reform. Scared of honesty,' wrote political commentator Jonathan Saxty. 'If we thought Starmer was a problem, we best get ready for an even bigger nightmare.'
Burnham's shifting stance on immigration is especially notable. He campaigned for the Brexit-voting Makerfield seat while softening his pro-EU views, and now his immigration policy appears to be in flux again. Critics argue he will say whatever it takes to gain power, lacking the consistency the country needs.
