Burnham Vows ‘New Politics’ from Manchester, Implicitly Rejecting Starmer’s Westminster Style

Mayor Andy Burnham is actively contrasting his style with Westminster, vowing to deliver a “new politics” from Manchester through his £1 billion growth plan, implicitly rejecting Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s more traditional, centrist approach. Burnham’s ambition is wrapped in an appeal for systemic political change.
The speculation about a challenge is driven by this ideological contrast, highlighted by Burnham’s refusal to rule out a future leadership bid. His claim of ‘new politics’ suggests that Starmer’s current methods are failing to deliver the radical change the country needs, especially in tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Starmer, en route to the G20 summit, attempted to show that his government is capable of this ‘new politics’ of collaboration by publicly praising Burnham. He cited their unified and “really impressive” response to the Manchester synagogue attack as evidence of effective co-governance.
However, the Prime Minister was less forgiving of the old style of politics, condemning the internal figures spreading rumors. Starmer aggressively dismissed claims of a coup involving Health Secretary Wes Streeting, arguing that the briefing war is the antithesis of the public-focused, professional ‘new politics’ the party should embrace.
Burnham’s £1 billion Manchester growth plan is the key policy exhibit for his ‘new politics’ vision, focused on local control, equity, and investment outside of the central Treasury. This regional success allows him to maintain a powerful, non-Westminster base from which to criticize the national government.