Prime Minister Andy Burnham commenced his tenure with an appeal for loyalty and unity within his new Cabinet, a call that immediately faced turbulence. Despite a broad endorsement from Labour MPs, with 379 of 403 nominating him, underlying tensions are surfacing.
Burnham's initial policy announcement, a suspension of VAT on electricity bills costing an estimated £850 million, was intended to address the cost of living crisis. Downing Street stated the funding would come from savings made by scrapping the previous government's digital ID cards scheme, projected to save £1.8 billion over three years. However, Darren Jones, who previously managed the digital ID program, publicly questioned the funding of the new policy, stating the government would need to outline how new initiatives will be paid for in the upcoming budget. While allies defended Burnham's funding plan by drawing parallels to the digital ID scheme's own funding, Jones's comments were seen by some as disloyal and an attempt to undermine the new Prime Minister.
Cabinet Reshuffle Creates Factions
The reshuffle itself has intensified internal divisions. Burnham's decision to dismiss 11 ministers who remained loyal to his predecessor, Keir Starmer, has been described as a "brutal cull" and a "Night of the Long Eyelashes." Among those removed were prominent figures like Steve Reed and Rachel Reeves.
John Healey, who had resigned and contributed to Starmer's downfall, was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. Other beneficiaries of the reshuffle include Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, Yvette Cooper, and Jonathan Reynolds. This promotion of individuals who were involved in Starmer's removal has led to accusations of rewarding "treachery."
Concerns have also been raised about a perceived regional bias in the new Cabinet, with 13 ministers appointed from the North of England and only four from London and the South-East. This has prompted discussions among some Labour MPs about the potential emergence of a "King of the South" to represent their interests, with Jones, Reed, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan being mentioned as possibilities.
Internal Criticism and Past Loyalty
Steve Reed, in a pointed letter to Burnham after his dismissal, emphasized the integrity of those who had remained loyal to Starmer, expressing hope that those who did not show loyalty to the former leader would now extend it to Burnham. A loyalist to Starmer dismissed Burnham's claim of having supported all Labour leaders, calling it a "flat out lie."
Burnham's assertion that he was not involved in the coup against Starmer, stating he was not in Parliament at the time, has been directly contradicted by a Starmer loyalist who called it "gaslighting."
Unanswered Questions and Future Challenges
The political maneuvering has led to predictions that Burnham's approach could ultimately be self-destructive. Critics argue that promoting individuals based on their role in orchestrating the previous leader's ouster sends a damaging message about how to advance within the party. The precedent set by the removal of Starmer, coupled with Burnham's recent actions, may have created a new cohort of disgruntled MPs poised to challenge his leadership should he encounter difficulties.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who was among the first senior Labour figures to call for Starmer's resignation, is reportedly being considered for a ministerial appointment and a peerage, further highlighting the rewards for shifting allegiances. Harriet Harman has urged Starmer's former allies to cease their public criticism, but the political landscape suggests that Burnham's consolidation of power may have inadvertently sown the seeds for future internal conflict.