Labour back in EU la-la land: Burnham allies accuse rival Streeting of talking up Brexit reversal to sabotage by-election with ‘worse than 50-50’ chance of winning
Labor was plunged further into chaos today as Andy Burnham’s allies accused rivals of trying to sabotage his crucial byelection battle.
Supporters of the mayor of Greater Manchester have hit out after leadership candidate Wes Streeting voiced his support for rejoining the EU.
This highlighted Mr Burnham’s tough views on reversing Brexit; this seemed extremely useless when he was fighting the Reformation in the Eurosceptic seat of Makerfield. Victory would be a springboard to taking over from Keir Starmer.
The debate comes as concerns grow within Labor ranks about the consequences of losing the contest, which is likely to be held on June 18. MPs, ministers and activists have already flocked to the constituencies.
Even Mr. Burnham’s admirers say his chances of success may be worse than 50-50; polls consistently show Nigel Farage’s team on track to win.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy admitted this morning that the ‘devastating war’ following the disastrous local election was a ‘magnificent own goal’.
He warned that ‘Some colleagues are lighting the matches and stopping at the gasoline’, implying that a general election may be inevitable if the party does not recover.
Backbencher Jonathan Hinder said the call to ease Brexit showed a ‘staggering level of miscommunication’.
One desperate minister told the Daily Mail: ‘The first day went well but things are going to get worse from there.’
Sir Keir is not expected to accept that he will need to resign or set a timetable, although the race for his succession is in full swing. Instead the prime minister will wait to see whether Mr Burnham can return to the House of Commons.
Other developments and turns today:
- Following Mr Streeting’s resignation, Angela Rayner is said to have turned down an offer to become Health Secretary;
- Reform may announce a local plumber as a candidate as soon as today;
- There is speculation that the Conservatives may stay away from Makerfield to maximize Mr Burnham’s chances of being defeated;
Andy Burnham was campaigning in Makerfield yesterday with Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell
Mr Streeting, who dramatically resigned as Health Secretary last week, signaled in a speech on Saturday that he wanted to see Britain return to the EU.
Trying to rally the party, Mr Lammy told Sky News: ‘This is a Labor byelection. We have quite a few threatened votes, Reform will be tough.
‘I have known Andy Burnham for over a quarter of a century. We were both under the protection of the wonderful Tessa Jowell.
‘We worked together under Tony Blair many years ago. It will be a great addition to Parliament for Makerfield. I have my full support for him.
‘I’ll be there, most of the Cabinet will be there of course, Labor will be there to make sure we win.’
Mr Lammy hinted that a general election may be inevitable if Labor maintains this level of infighting.
“This is not a sixth form debate, this is a speech on behalf of the British people,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Mr Lammy, who refused to say whether he personally supported rejoining the EU, said: ‘Our position was set out in a manifesto voted on by the British people… this was just 22 months ago. Another opportunity will arise in the next election.
‘We have to go out and deliver on their behalf and I tell my colleagues it’s okay if it takes 10 days. I think the British people will forgive us for this introspection.
‘If it continues like this for ten weeks we’re going to be in big trouble. ‘We’ll be out of the office and get Farage started.’
Mr Streeting, who dramatically resigned as Health Secretary last week, signaled in a speech on Saturday that he wanted to see Britain return to the EU.
The Blairite also announced he would enter any Labor leadership contest.
Mr Burnham attempted to downplay his stated support for rejoining the bloc by taking part in a media blitz at the weekend.
He insisted advocating joining the EU was a ‘long-term case’ but insisted he was not campaigning on the issue in the by-election.
Nigel Farage has branded the Mayor of Greater Manchester an ‘open borders Burnham’.
The Reform leader told the Mail: ‘It is clear that Andy Burnham wants to say one thing to Labor voters in Makerfield while saying something completely different to Labor MPs as he positions himself for power.
‘The reform will ensure voters know exactly where Burnham stands on rejoining the EU.’
Nigel Farage brands Manchester Mayor ‘open borders Burnham’
