Andy Burnham is set to enter Downing Street today facing what sources describe as an "extraordinary crisis of legitimacy." Exclusive polling for the Daily Mail indicates that a substantial portion of the public, particularly outside of his traditional strongholds, questions his right to be Prime Minister after his ascent to power.
Upon taking office, Burnham is expected to prioritize immediate measures to address the cost of living crisis, including potential reductions in energy bills and bus fares, as he seeks to quell calls for a general election. However, the survey suggests a challenging path to nationwide acceptance for the former Mayor of Greater Manchester.
In the South East of England, fewer than a quarter of respondents (24 percent) deemed his rise to power legitimate, with 40 percent expressing the opposite view. This sentiment is echoed in the South West, where 42 percent believe he obtained the position through illegitimate means, and in the East Midlands, where only 21 percent feel he has the rightful authority to govern.
Nationally, the Survation poll of 2,060 adults found that 51 percent of people believe Burnham should hold a general election this year, while 31 percent disagree. The remaining 18 percent were undecided. Support for his leadership appears concentrated in his Manchester base and London, with only four regions showing approval for the manner in which he succeeded Sir Keir Starmer.
Concerns about Burnham's potential policies, particularly the prospect of increased taxes on middle-class southerners to fund his initiatives, are reflected in the poll. Four in ten respondents indicated they do not believe he will govern in the interest of the country as a whole.
Burnham's assumption of the premiership follows what sources have termed a "an extraordinary coup" against Sir Keir Starmer, occurring just two years after Labour's previous general election victory. He is expected to signal a departure from some of Starmer's policies, including ditching controversial digital ID card plans and adopting a less critical stance on North Sea oil exploration.
Allies of Burnham have defended his plans, with his deputy Lucy Powell reportedly supporting a significant increase in foreign aid. However, there is also noted opposition from the left wing of the Labour party regarding potential appointments, such as Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor over Ed Miliband.
Critics have pointed to Burnham's lack of a direct electoral mandate for the premiership. As he did not stand on Labour's national manifesto during the last general election and won his Makerfield seat with a narrow margin, his position has been described by some as that of a "messiah without a mandate." Former Conservative minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg stated that the new Prime Minister faces public backlash unless he calls an election, questioning how he can govern without a mandate from the broader electorate.
Burnham himself is expected to advocate for political stability in his inaugural address, acknowledging the rapid succession of leaders in recent years and emphasizing the need for a period of "reflection and resolution." Despite assurances of governing for all parts of the country, polling data suggests a perception among some that his agenda aims to "take power from the South."
Damian Lyons Lowe, CEO of Survation, commented that Burnham enters No. 10 as a "Prime Minister who divides the country," facing the challenge of translating his regional influence into national support, with half the country advocating for an early general election.