Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy asserted that a Labour government led by Andy Burnham would be "faster and bolder," as he garners significant support to potentially become the next leader. Nandy's comments came as 322 Labour MPs nominated Burnham, placing him on the verge of a mathematically secured leadership position.
Burnham, the only declared candidate, is expected to be formally declared Labour leader next week, with a potential swearing-in as prime minister on July 20. Nandy, whose constituency is adjacent to Burnham's, expressed her belief that a leadership contest was unnecessary, endorsing Burnham's proposal to establish a northern office for Number 10 Downing Street.
"The first is that it will be faster and bolder, and he's willing to think very differently about how we deliver that change," Nandy stated in an interview with BBC Radio 4. She elaborated that the proposed "Number 10 in the North" aims to "shift the centre of gravity in the country so that all parts of the country are seen and heard and are able to contribute." Nandy also indicated a shift towards a more emotionally open approach, stating, "The second thing that will be different is we will wear our hearts on our sleeves more."
Nandy, who previously ran for Labour leader in 2020 and supported Burnham after standing down, has not yet been informed of her future role in a potential Burnham government. She stated that no one from Sir Keir Starmer's current cabinet has been offered positions, and she believes Burnham's approach of not offering jobs prior to his leadership being confirmed is the correct one.
Defending the current Labour government's record over the past two years, Nandy cited achievements such as reduced NHS waiting times and expanded opportunities for young people. She acknowledged that while these efforts were made under difficult circumstances, they had not fully resonated with the public, which she believes is the reason for the current leadership transition. Nandy emphasized that a leadership contest was not beneficial at this juncture, as Labour prioritizes the country's needs. "I feel very much in my constituency in Wigan, and we heard it in the neighbouring constituency of Makerfield in the recent by-election, people have put up with a lot for a long time," she said, adding that constituents "need things to change, they voted for that change two years ago, they've sent us a clear message that they want that change to be bolder, they want it to be faster."
Burnham outlined his vision for the party's future in a recent speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, which Nandy described as receiving overwhelming backing from Labour MPs.