Andy Burnham Faces Hypocrisy Claims Over Election Stance

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham faces severe backlash after leaking records revealed he previously demanded an immediate general election during Conservative leadership changes. The Labour heavyweight, currently positioned to enter Parliament, now rejects holding a snap national vote to secure his own democratic mandate if he assumes party control.

ANDY Burnham was branded a hypocrite last night after it emerged that he called for a General Election when the Tories changed leader.

The Labour leadership contender was last night odds-on to win the Makerfield by-election, which would allow him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.

Andy Burnham was branded a hypocrite after it emerged that he called for a General Election when the Tories changed leader Credit: AFP

Mr Burnham’s lack of a mandate has even been weaponised by the PM in Sir Keir Starmer’s last-gasp bid to face down a coup Credit: Getty

He has promised to “change” Labour — with a massive lurch to the Left expected, including public control of utilities.

But Mr Burnham has said he will not hold a snap General Election to get his own mandate.

However, his enemies have discovered that he called for previous Conservative PM Boris Johnson to do exactly that.

During the race to replace Mr Johnson in July 2022, he posted on social media: “We need a General Election.”

Mr Burnham also accused them of “ripping up the 2019 manifesto and that can’t last for long without a general election”.

And he added: “We need to start demanding a General Election at the end of this leadership election.”

Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake MP said: “The rank hypocrisy of Andy Burnham’s position is plain to see.

“He has repeatedly called for a General Election after previous leadership changes, yet now rules that out if he gets the top job himself. As always, it’s one rule for Labour and another for everyone else.”

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Rachel Reeves has told wannabe Labour leaders not to ‘deviate’ from her iron-clad fiscal rules — as she vows to keep her job Credit: Getty

Reeves: Stick to my rules

RACHEL Reeves has told wannabe Labour leaders not to “deviate” from her iron-clad fiscal rules — as she vows to keep her job.

In a warning to contenders such as Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, the Chancellor said: “We got elected on the promise to return stability to the economy.

“Anyone who wanted to deviate from that will not be fulfilling the manifesto commitments.”

And despite a possible leadership contest, she insisted there was “no vacancy” for her post.

It came as the government yesterday published its blueprint for a third Heathrow runway, calling it critical for growth.

Ms Reeves told The Times CEO Summit she wanted “spades in the ground” by 2029.

And Mr Burnham’s lack of a mandate has even been weaponised by the PM in Sir Keir Starmer’s last-gasp bid to face down a coup.

Speaking at the G7 summit in France, he warned a change of leader would wreak “chaos” on the country and emulate the Tory psychodrama.

He insisted it was due to him that Labour won the last election and said he still wants to lead the party into the next election.

The polls in Makerfield closed at 10pm last night.

Future Outlook

The outcome of the Makerfield by-election is expected to reshape the internal dynamics of the Labour Party. If Andy Burnham secures the seat, a formal challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership could emerge, potentially widening the ideological divide between the party’s centrist platform and its left-wing faction.

FAQs

Why is Andy Burnham being accused of hypocrisy?

Andy Burnham faces criticism because he previously demanded a general election when the Conservative Party changed its leaders, yet he has ruled out calling a snap election if he takes over the Labour leadership.

What are Rachel Reeves’ fiscal rules?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has established strict economic guidelines designed to restore financial stability, warning all potential future Labour leaders that they must adhere strictly to these manifesto commitments.

What is the significance of the Makerfield by-election?

The Makerfield by-election serves as a potential entry point for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament, enabling him to mount a direct leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer.