Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's 59th prime minister, a transition that has drawn sharp criticism regarding his democratic legitimacy. Columnist Andrew Neil argues that Burnham has ascended to the top office without the benefit of a general election, a move that has become increasingly common in modern British politics. Neil points out that six prime ministers have taken office in this manner within the first 26 years of the 21st century alone, a trend he suggests voters have come to despise.
Neil highlights that Burnham's path to power has been marked by a distinct lack of rigorous journalistic scrutiny. Unlike many predecessors who assumed leadership mid-term, Burnham was not a candidate in the preceding general election. A by-election was reportedly arranged in his constituency, and he did not campaign on the governing party's manifesto. Furthermore, his ascent to party leadership, which preceded his premiership, did not involve public hustings or extensive media questioning, leaving significant policy areas and cabinet intentions unclear.
Scrutiny and Background
Burnham's background and political journey are also subjects of scrutiny. While officially presented as an outsider from the north of England who transformed Manchester, Neil contends this narrative is largely a simplification. He describes Burnham as a career politician who, after graduating from Cambridge, quickly entered the Westminster sphere, serving as a researcher, special adviser, MP, junior minister, and Cabinet minister. Neil contrasts this with the perception of Burnham as an outsider, noting his career path is more aligned with traditional Westminster insiders.
Neil also questions the narrative of Burnham's upbringing, suggesting it was not one of significant hardship, and notes that Manchester's regeneration predates his tenure as Mayor. He credits the city's revival to strategies initiated in the Thatcher era and continued by local government leaders Richard Leese and Howard Bernstein. While acknowledging Burnham's role as a visible leader who built upon existing plans, Neil suggests Burnham 'surfed an economic wave rather than generated it.'
Policy and Promises
Analysis of Burnham's record as Mayor of Greater Manchester reveals a mixed picture, according to Neil. While praising the city's dynamism and the introduction of a revamped bus service, Neil points to a lack of affordable housing and uneven economic growth across the region. He cites Burnham's pledges to end rough sleeping and build 10,000 council houses, noting that these targets were not met during his mayoralty. This, Neil argues, suggests that similar promises made at the national level may not be realized.
Neil further suggests that Burnham's approach to governance, characterized by a desire for greater public ownership and control, may not translate into effective wealth creation. He notes that Manchester's success is largely attributed to its service sector, not a resurgence in manufacturing, and questions the efficacy of a larger state funded by higher taxes, given the current high tax burden in the UK.
Burnham is expected to take office with considerable unknowns regarding his policy agenda and cabinet appointments. Neil posits that if his premiership falters, voters, feeling they had no part in his selection, will offer little leniency. The columnist concludes that while Burnham may have the ability to inspire hope, a failure to foster dynamism and enterprise, coupled with an overreliance on state intervention, could lead to disappointment.