Several Labour Members of Parliament have expressed concerns that Andy Burnham's political agenda, dubbed 'Manchesterism,' could alienate voters in rural areas and less affluent constituencies in the South of England. These fears were voiced during a private meeting of Labour MPs, where participants indicated that Burnham's policies and rhetoric risk diminishing support in non-urban areas across the country.
One MP noted that there are significant areas beyond Manchester, including Scotland, that require attention. Another urged Burnham not to frame the country solely as a north-south divide, arguing that rural communities in the North share more common ground with their counterparts in the South than with large urban centers like Manchester. This perspective suggests that a generalized north-south approach could be detrimental to rural communities.
Naushabah Khan, the MP for Kent, publicly called for Burnham to demonstrate an understanding of poverty in the South East, stating that it can be as severe as that found in former mining towns in the North. When asked about the possibility of southern regions being overlooked due to Burnham's focus on the North, Khan acknowledged that such concerns are being voiced.
Another rural Labour MP expressed that Burnham does not appear to have a strong interest in countryside affairs, warning that the next Prime Minister could face challenges if his team lacks individuals who understand farming and rural communities. There are also reports that several rural Labour MPs are advocating for Emma Reynolds to remain as Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary in Burnham's first cabinet. Reynolds had previously endorsed Burnham for leadership, describing him as a "fantastic communicator."
During the Makerfield by-election campaign, Burnham stated his intention to re-examine inheritance tax rates for farmers if he became Prime Minister, although he did not specify the source of funding for any potential tax cut. He indicated he had heard from farmers and met with the National Farmers Union in the North West, acknowledging that the issue needs further review. However, this stance contrasts with Louise Haigh, a key figure in Burnham's leadership campaign and former Transport Secretary, who supported Rachel Reeves' tax policies affecting farmers, describing them as "fair and proportionate."
The Countryside Alliance has cautioned Burnham against repeating the electoral mistakes 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. Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance emphasized that the countryside is not a secondary issue and that a new Prime Minister must be as committed to rural communities as to urban ones. He recalled Starmer's pledge to restore the relationship between the countryside and government, noting that Labour gained significant rural support in the last general election. However, he criticized the subsequent focus on taxing farmers and businesses, along with what he termed a "culture war" issues like trail hunting bans and attacks on game shooting.
Rural Labour MPs are reportedly hoping for a significant shift in relations, with the Countryside Alliance suggesting that Burnham has an opportunity to foster this by recognizing the value of the countryside and avoiding past errors. Rural Labour MPs are lobbying for Emma Reynolds to retain her position as Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary. Reynolds has reportedly built a strong rapport with farmers, particularly following disputes over planned increases in inheritance tax. The Countryside Alliance has warned Burnham not to repeat past mistakes, citing the negative impact of the Family Farms Tax and shooting bans on rural support during the Keir Starmer government.