Several Labour Members of Parliament have privately voiced concerns that Andy Burnham's policy agenda, dubbed 'Manchesterism,' risks alienating voters in rural constituencies and less affluent areas of the South. These apprehensions were reportedly shared during a private meeting of Labour MPs.
One MP cautioned that the party's focus should extend beyond Manchester, noting the existence of other regions, including Scotland. Another urged Mr. Burnham not to frame the country through a simplistic north-south dichotomy, arguing that rural communities in the North share more common ground with their counterparts in the South than with large northern cities.
Naushabah Khan, an MP representing a Kent constituency, publicly called for Mr. Burnham to demonstrate an understanding of poverty in the South East, asserting that it can be as severe as that found in former industrial towns in the North. She expressed keen interest in how Mr. Burnham plans to outline his vision for the entire country in the coming weeks, acknowledging that his northern focus is a subject of discussion.
A rural Labour MP shared that they do not perceive Mr. Burnham as particularly interested in countryside affairs and warned that a Prime Minister lacking advisors who understand farming and rural communities would face challenges.
Amidst these concerns, several rural Labour MPs are reportedly lobbying for Emma Reynolds to retain her position as Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary in Mr. Burnham's potential cabinet. Ms. Reynolds, who supported Mr. Burnham's leadership bid, is described as a strong communicator who has built a relationship with farmers. Consistency in this role is seen as important by some within the party.
During the Makerfield by-election campaign, Mr. Burnham indicated a willingness to reconsider inheritance tax rates on farmers if he became Prime Minister, though he did not specify how any potential tax reduction would be funded. He mentioned hearing directly from farmers and meeting with the National Farmers Union in the North West on the matter.
However, this stance has drawn attention in light of Louise Haigh, a key figure in Mr. Burnham's leadership campaign and his plans for government, having previously supported the 'Family Farms Tax' while serving as Transport Secretary. Ms. Haigh had described the tax as 'fair and proportionate.'
Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance warned Mr. Burnham against repeating the errors of the previous Labour government under Keir Starmer, which saw a decline in rural support attributed to the Family Farms Tax and restrictions on shooting activities. He emphasized that the countryside is not a secondary issue and that the new Prime Minister must demonstrate a commitment to rural communities comparable to his focus on urban areas.
Mr. Metcalf-Fisher recalled that the Starmer government had pledged to improve relations with the countryside and had benefited from rural votes in the last general election. However, he stated that the government subsequently prioritized taxing farmers and rural businesses, and engaged in what he termed a 'culture war' issues affecting rural populations, such as a ban on trail hunting and actions against game shooting. He expressed hope that rural Labour MPs share the expectation of a reset in relations, with Mr. Burnham having the opportunity to achieve this by recognizing the value of the countryside and avoiding past missteps.