Overview

• Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham used a New Statesman cover interview to urge a shift to public control of housing, energy, water, rail and buses, alongside proportional representation and an admission that Brexit was a mistake.
• He framed the moment as an existential test for Labour, saying he is ready to play any role to deliver a plan to ‘retake control of the essentials’ and lower costs, while criticizing what he called a factional way of running the party.
• Burnham said MPs have privately encouraged him to return to Westminster, though he insists he is not plotting an immediate comeback and would face hurdles including finding a seat and securing scores of MP nominations.
• He endorsed Lucy Powell for deputy leader as No 10 allies push support toward Bridget Phillipson, with Powell’s campaign boosted by a £15,000 donation from Dale Vince and endorsements from soft‑left figures.
• Despite the heightened speculation, Burnham will not take the main stage in Liverpool and is scheduled only for fringe events, as polling cited by multiple outlets shows Labour behind Reform and Ipsos figures put Burnham’s ratings well above Starmer’s.