Gorton By-Election Exposes 'Chasm' Between Westminster and Public, Burnham Declares
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has issued a stark warning, asserting that the recent Gorton and Denton by-election "revealed the full depth of the chasm between people and Westminster politics." In one of his first public comments on the ballot, the Labour mayor suggested the outcome demonstrates that Westminster is fundamentally out of touch with the priorities of ordinary citizens.
Shock Result Highlights Political Disconnect
The by-election, held last Thursday, delivered a seismic shock as the Green Party's candidate Hannah Spencer secured victory in what was previously a Labour stronghold. Labour finished a distant third, trailing behind Reform UK in second place. Burnham, who was notably snubbed by the Labour Party's ruling body as its candidate for the seat, addressed the result during an appearance at a Centre for Cities think tank event in central London.
"What I want to say today is that the time has most definitely come for a serious conversation about our political system and its pervading culture, particularly so in the aftermath of the Gorton and Denton by-election," Burnham told the audience. "It revealed the full depth of the chasm between people and Westminster politics. I don't think anybody can seriously dispute that statement."
'Code Red' Warning for Westminster Politics
Burnham pointed to polling by More in Common, which found a majority of people believe the cost-of-living crisis will never end, describing this as "code red for Westminster politics." He emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating: "This is getting extremely dangerous, and change in our political system and culture is desperately needed."
When questioned by reporters about why he had considered a return to Westminster despite his misgivings, Burnham explained: "I don't think Greater Manchester's full ambitions are achievable with the political system staying as it is. There is, in my view, a bias against the North of England. I saw it with my own eyes in Westminster, and not just an emotional bias, it's hardwired."
Call for Widespread Devolution and Systemic Reform
Beyond criticising the current political culture, Burnham used the platform to advocate for further and more extensive devolution of powers across the United Kingdom. He proposed that city regions within Scotland and Wales should be granted their own devolved powers and responsibilities, extending beyond those of the devolved national governments.
Burnham also criticised a pervasive culture within Westminster that exhibits reluctance to devolve powers which could be more effectively managed by local leaders. "What is the rationale for Westminster hanging on to all of the power over those things when clearly they can't do it from where they are?" he challenged.
Expressing frustration with the current process, Burnham added: "Honestly, I'm getting to the point where I just refuse to spend any more of my working week making the case to Whitehall for more devolved powers, because I spent way too much of my time doing that. Why aren't they just looking at the evidence, getting behind us and getting on with it? It just makes you think they don't actually want growth everywhere."
The event took an abrupt turn when journalists attempted to press Burnham further on the by-election outcome; Centre for Cities chief executive Andrew Carter, who was chairing, intervened to shut down the line of questioning.
In a lighter moment, Burnham touched upon his career plans, referencing his book Head North, co-authored with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, about leaving Westminster and establishing devolution across England. He quipped that a sequel, Head South, was currently on hold, underscoring his focus on regional advocacy rather than a return to national politics.
