After the painful ruse of Starmerism, the left should be cautious about Andy Burnham | Owen Jones
Owen Jones discusses the cautious optimism surrounding Andy Burnham as a potential Labour leader. While Burnham is seen as Labour's best chance to regain lost voters, his past and political journey raise questions about his commitment to progressive values. The left must scrutinize his proposals for genuine public ownership and affordable housing to avoid repeating past mistakes.
- ▪Andy Burnham is currently the most popular politician in the Labour Party.
- ▪He has shifted from a Blairite background to a more progressive stance, but his past raises concerns.
- ▪Burnham's record on housing and public control needs thorough examination to ensure he truly represents leftist values.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Andy Burnham watches Everton v Sunderland, 17 May 2026. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/ReutersView image in fullscreenAndy Burnham watches Everton v Sunderland, 17 May 2026. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/ReutersOpinionAndy BurnhamAfter the painful ruse of Starmerism, the left should be cautious about Andy BurnhamOwen JonesWith the Greens now a viable alternative, a Labour leader will not win power again without the progressive vote. But they will need to earn itTue 19 May 2026 01.00 EDTShareLabour’s failures have made a rightwing authoritarian government not just a nightmare, but a plausible next chapter.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Politics.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — Politics
