Labour MPs warn Andy Burnham that his ‘Manchesterism’ vision risks shedding support in the countryside and impoverished south
Labor MPs have expressed fears that Andy Burnham’s ‘Manchesterism’ agenda could alienate voters in rural and less wealthy constituencies in the south.
Parliamentary Labour’s private meeting with the environment minister last night was used to raise fears that Mr Burnham risks losing support in non-urban areas across the country with his policies and rhetoric.
A Labor MP has warned the incoming PM that ‘something is happening north of Manchester, including a whole country’ [Scotland]’ while another called on the Makerfield MP not to divide the country into a simple north-south divide.
They argued that rural communities in the North had more in common with rural communities in the South than with cities such as Manchester, so a blanket north versus south approach ‘does not work and could harm rural communities’.
Speaking on the BBC today, Kent MP Naushabah Khan called on Mr Burnham to understand the poverty in the south-east, which could be as great as in ‘former mining towns in the North’.
He warned: ‘I’d really like to see how Andy prepares his stand for the wider country over the next few weeks.’
Asked whether she was concerned they might be overlooked due to Mr Burnham’s focus on the north, Ms Khan said: ‘Isn’t that something that’s certainly been said about him?’
Another rural Labor MP told the Mail that Mr Burnham “doesn’t seem like someone who cares that much” about rural issues, adding that the next Prime Minister “has a problem” if he “doesn’t have anyone around who understands farming and rural communities”.
Rural Labor MPs fear Andy Burnham’s vision of ‘Manchesterism’ is losing sight of their constituencies
Another Labor MP today urged Mr Burnham to open his stall for the whole country, warning that his seat of Kent faces the same dire poverty as the north.
The Daily Mail can also reveal that several rural Labor MPs are lobbying Mr Burnham to keep Emma Reynolds as Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary as he forms his first cabinet.
Ms Reynolds backed Mr Burnham as leader early on following the Makerfield victory, branding him a ‘fantastic communicator’ who would deliver a ‘different and compelling story’.
A leading rural MP argued: ‘The sector needs consistency and is doing a good job’.
He is understood to be keen to remain in the role as he feels he has built a strong relationship with farmers following controversy over planned increases in inheritance tax.
During the Makerfield by-election Mr Burnham said: Telegram He said if he became Prime Minister he would ‘take another look’ at inheritance tax rates on farmers, without specifying where the funding for the tax cut would come from.
He added: ‘I’ve heard it personally from farmers. I met the National Farmers Union in the North West shortly after meeting them. And yes, I think this needs to be looked at again.’
But her right-hand woman, Louise Haigh, who organized the leadership campaign and government plans, vocally supported Rachel Reeves’ tax on farmers while serving in the Government as Transport Secretary.
Rural Labor MPs are lobbying Mr Burnham to keep Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds in the job
The Countryside Alliance has warned Mr Burnham not to repeat the mistakes of Keir Statmer’s government, which slashed rural support over the Family Farms Tax
Ms Haigh insisted the Family Farms Tax was ‘fair and proportionate’, adding: ‘None of us came to power to tax farmers.’
The Rural Alliance’s Mo Metcalf-Fisher warned Mr Burnham must avoid ‘repeating the mistakes’ of Keir Starmer’s government, which lost support in rural constituencies over the Family Farms Tax and a crackdown on shootings.
He added: ‘The countryside is not a sideshow and a new Prime Minister needs to be as committed to rural communities as he is to urban ones.
‘Before the last general election, Keir Starmer promised to renew the bond of respect between the countryside and the government. He took power on the back of rural votes, winning over 100 seats representing rural constituencies.
‘Unfortunately, as well as taxing farmers and rural businesses, he has prioritized waging a toxic culture war against rural people by banning trail hunting and prey attacks.
‘Like many people who live and work in the countryside, rural Labor MPs are hoping for a fundamental reset in relations.
‘Andy Burnham has the opportunity to do this, but it will start by not repeating the mistakes of the past, by recognizing the huge value the countryside offers.’
