Andy Burnham's Pledge To End Labour Factionalism Lasted 3 Days

Andy Burnham was very clear when he became Labour leader last Friday.

“Factionalism has bedevilled us,” he said. “Today we moved beyond it.”

It was the correct diagnosis, and a noble ambition.

Keir Starmer’s government had undoubtedly been one of the most factional in living memory, with anyone not viewed as a loyalist banished to the backbenches.

The former PM’s supporters would argue that his ultra-strict approach was effective, rescuing Labour from the chaos left behind by Jeremy Corbyn and delivering a landslide election victory.

But it also bred intense resentment among Labour MPs, meaning that when Starmer’s back was up against the wall, he had few true allies he could rely on to support him.

So Burnham was right to call an end to the self-defeating schisms which have long been a part of Labour tradition.

However, when presented with the opportunity to put his fine words into action, the new prime minister flunked it.

Throughout Monday afternoon, those cabinet ministers seen as loyal to his predecessor were informed that their services were no longer required.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves – once integral to the entire Starmer project – was axed, although sources close to her insisted she was offered “a big job” as consolation and turned it down.

David Lammy, Starmer’s deputy, was also removed from cabinet, as were Darren Jones, Steve Reed, Peter Kyle, Nick Thomas-Symonds and Jenny Chapman.

In their place came key Burnham supporters like new foreign secretary Ed Miliband and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Louise Haigh, two MPs who did more than most to get Starmer out.

Of course, every new PM is entitled to fill their cabinet with as many allies as they wish.

But having made such a virtue of unity and harnessing all the talents of the Parliamentary Labour Party, the message from PM Burnham was clear: ending factionalism can wait until tomorrow.

Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.