Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Andy Burnham, the presumptive Labour leader and future prime minister, of plotting an economic "bribe" aimed at securing votes from northern constituencies.
Badenoch's remarks come ahead of a significant speech by Burnham, who is expected to assume leadership next month unopposed. Burnham is set to outline flagship proposals including the creation of a "No10" in the North of England and a commitment to "good growth in every postcode." Allies suggest these plans represent a substantial transfer of power away from central government.
In a speech scheduled for Manchester, Burnham is expected to advocate for a shift in decision-making power to local communities as part of his broader vision to "lift Britain back up."
However, Badenoch dismissed these proposals as unoriginal, stating in London that they were "not some radical new agenda, they are old hat." She characterized Burnham's ideas as a diluted version of former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Levelling Up agenda, asserting that the "good bits" had been removed.
Badenoch further warned that the country was potentially heading for a "summer of chaos," citing the possibility that Burnham, if he enters Downing Street in three weeks, would not face parliamentary scrutiny until MPs return in September.
Additionally, Badenoch targeted claims that Ed Miliband, the current Net Zero supremo, is being considered for the role of Chancellor. Badenoch argued that Miliband should instead be dismissed for his opposition to expanding oil and gas exploration. "He is the single person who has done the most to de-industrialise our country and make us poorer," Badenoch stated. "He should not be rewarded with an even more powerful job where he can completely bankrupt the country."
Burnham, who is reportedly planning for at least two general elections, intends to present a "ten-year mission" focused on improving living standards through re-industrialization, housing, infrastructure, and utility reform. His plan to establish a "No10 North" is part of an effort to decentralize government operations.
Badenoch countered that an additional layer of political administration would not foster growth, arguing it would "mean more power taken away from Parliament, but more and more government created all over the country. More politicians, more outsourcing of decisions to bodies with even less scrutiny and accountability."
Senior Labour figures, meanwhile, have expressed confidence in their party's unity behind Burnham and have downplayed the likelihood of a general election to legitimize policy shifts. Housing Secretary Steve Reed suggested that while there would be "changes in emphasis," the core governmental principles, including borrowing rules, would remain. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell highlighted Burnham's "clear sense of purpose" and the public's desire for the party to "get on with the job" of governing.
Burnham's recent performance in the Makerfield by-election, where Labour defied national trends to increase its vote share, has been noted, particularly following a challenging set of local election results in May that intensified calls for Keir Starmer's resignation. Despite this, the Labour party has experienced sustained drops in national polls, leading opponents to suggest a general election should accompany any leadership change amid speculation about Burnham's policy direction.