Prime Minister Keir Starmer is battling the perception that his government lacks the public energy and dynamism required for the office, a critique amplified by Mayor Andy Burnham’s vibrant, hands-on focus on his regional mandate. Burnham’s noncommittal status accentuates Starmer’s perceived stagnation.
The renewed tension follows Burnham’s refusal to definitively rule out a future leadership bid, a move which contrasts his visible activity in Manchester with the internal, secretive plotting dominating Westminster. This contrast makes Burnham seem like a dynamic, ready-made alternative leader.
Starmer, speaking en route to the G20 summit, tried to demonstrate his focus by praising Burnham’s dynamism, specifically citing the Mayor’s “really impressive” leadership during the immediate response to the Manchester synagogue attack. Starmer’s plea was for all party members to direct their energy outwards.
The Prime Minister specifically addressed the issue of internal energy by condemning those spreading coup rumors, including the claims involving Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Starmer insisted that these internal distractions are an unacceptable drain on the political energy needed to effectively tackle the urgent cost-of-living challenges.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is capitalizing on his visible mandate by championing his £1 billion Manchester growth plan, a massive regional infrastructure initiative. By focusing on concrete, high-profile projects that create jobs and homes, Burnham successfully projects the image of the dynamic, proactive leader the party may feel it currently lacks.