The SNP has urged Andy Burnham to provide "straight answers" regarding his intentions should he become prime minister, following his victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. Burnham, the former Manchester mayor, is now the leading candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation on Monday.
Burnham's Path to Downing Street
No other candidates have declared their intention to run, meaning Burnham could potentially be elected unopposed if he secures sufficient support before nominations close on July 16. However, SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan has called for clarity on Burnham's policy agenda, particularly concerning the UK's fiscal rules, re-joining the European Union, and allowing Scotland a second independence referendum.
SNP's Demands for Transparency
"Andy Burnham and his allies have been successful in the choreography of removing a prime minister, but choreography isn't change," Doogan stated. "The only thing people really know from the last few weeks is that Andy Burnham loves U-turning every bit as much as Keir Starmer."
Doogan added: "Until now, people have been deliberately left in the dark as to what Andy Burnham will actually change when this likely political coronation takes place. It is now time that Andy Burnham put that right and actually gave some straight answers on what he intends to deliver as prime minister."
Call for Bold Policy Shifts
"Burnham will only pass the test of change if he delivers a bold change of direction from the failure of this UK Labour Government," Doogan continued. "That means ripping up the straitjacket of the Tory fiscal rules which Keir Starmer kept, reversing the madness of Brexit and re-joining the European Union, and finally respecting the democratic rights of countries in the UK to determine their own future."
He concluded: "Less than two years ago, the Labour Party promised people change – two years later they are making exactly the same promise."
Government Response
Burnham's team has been contacted for comment. Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, who has endorsed Burnham's bid, told BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday that Burnham "will set out his thinking if he becomes prime minister." Alexander added: "We have been very clear that we oppose independence. We oppose an independence referendum, and I think, frankly, the huge appetite, not just in Scotland, but across the UK, is that we need to leave behind decades of constitutional division and instead focus on delivery."
