Potential Labour leader Andy Burnham could pursue a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats if his party fails to secure an outright majority in the next general election, sources close to the would-be prime minister suggest. With polls indicating a potential hung parliament, allies of Burnham say discussions with the Liberal Democrats are a possibility.
Sources point to shared ground between the two parties, including a potential move towards a new system of proportional representation. Burnham has reportedly committed to exploring such electoral reform, a long-standing policy goal of the Liberal Democrats. The current first-past-the-post system is a key area where the parties' priorities may align.
A More in Common poll from last month indicated that Labour, with Burnham as leader, might only reach a 30 percent vote share. Reform UK's share, according to the same poll, could fall to 27 percent. Neither projection suggests a majority government, making a coalition or pact with another party a likely scenario, similar to the 2010 Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition. This possibility may also bring back memories of Labour's unsuccessful coalition negotiations in 2010, when Burnham served as a cabinet minister under Gordon Brown.
One source close to Burnham emphasized the need for Labour to prepare for a hung parliament and engage in talks with the Liberal Democrats, noting that the next general election is approximately three years away. The commitment to electoral reform is seen as a strong foundation for such discussions.
Beyond electoral reform, the parties may find commonality in other policy areas, such as reform of the water industry. Burnham's preference for greater public ownership aligns with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey's proposals to transform private water companies into 'public benefit companies' that prioritize environmental concerns over profit.
Despite potential avenues for cooperation, some within the Labour party have voiced caution. Concerns have been raised about Burnham's regional focus and whether his "business-friendly socialism," as he describes it, can resonate with voters in the south of England. Laura Kyrke-Smith, Labour MP for Aylesbury, has expressed a need for clarity on how Burnham's agenda would benefit all parts of the country.
Burnham is expected to outline his economic agenda in an upcoming speech, which is anticipated to advocate for significant devolution of power away from central government. He has previously called for regional mayors to have more control over areas such as social housing, welfare, and post-16 education, reflecting his views expressed in his book, "Head North."