Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the Labour Party must take a different path to regain the trust of working-class people [1].
Burnham's comments signal a growing tension within the party regarding its identity and its relationship with its traditional base. If the party fails to reconcile its current direction with the values of working-class voters, it risks permanent alienation from the demographic that historically formed its core support.
Speaking in an interview with Andrew Misra on Channel 4 News, Burnham said the party needs to evolve into an organization that working-class people can believe in again [1]. He described the necessity of becoming "a party that they can believe in again, a party solidly on the side of working class people" [1].
Burnham said Labour has drifted away from the values and needs of the working class [1]. He said this shift has hindered the party's effectiveness and its ability to connect with a significant portion of the electorate [1].
This call for a change in direction follows previous criticisms from the mayor regarding the internal culture of the party. In September 2025, Burnham said to The Guardian that a "climate of fear" in Labour was shutting down debate [2].
By advocating for a more inclusive and representative approach, Burnham is positioning himself as a voice for the party's traditional roots. He said the party must prioritize the interests of working-class citizens to remain a viable political force [1].
“a party that they can believe in again, a party solidly on the side of working class people”
Burnham's critique highlights a strategic divide within Labour between the party's current leadership and its regional representatives. By emphasizing the 'working-class' identity, Burnham is suggesting that the party's move toward a broader, more centrist appeal may be costing it the loyalty of its traditional heartlands, which is critical for maintaining a stable governing majority in the UK.
