Andy Burnham's triple whammy in Labour leader race
The expenses claim, the Unite threat and the theory that David Miliband could try to make a comeback
Andy Burnham's Bank Holiday weekend was spoiled by a trio of awkward stories: first, it was reported that he has been claiming expenses for the rent of a London flat when he already owns one nearby; then there was speculation that David Miliband might launch a bid for the Labour leadership before the next election; finally, it's reported today that the powerful Unite union might withhold support for his leadership bid.
One, the London flat. Since July 2012, Burnham has been claiming £1449.98 a month for the rent of a flat in Kennington – a favoured spot for MPs' digs because it's just over the bridge from Westminster – when he already owns a flat in the same area, The Sunday Times reported.
The amount he's claiming is just short of the maximum £1,550 allowed. The arrangement is entirely within the rules, the paper said, but Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the committee on standards in public life, said it showed "a lack of judgment".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Burnham has issued a "full explanation" on his website telling how a change in Commons rules gave him "no choice" but to quit his flat and rent it out.
Two, the David Miliband story. Senior Labour figures are "plotting" for Ed Miliband's brother to return to England from New York to play a major role in the Stay In Europe referendum campaign and use it as a springboard for a leadership bid in 2018, The Sun reports.
In short, Burnham, still the bookies' favourite among the current candidates, might be elected Labour leader this autumn but would face pressure to have David Miliband replace him in time for the 2020 general election.
The Sun reports that the veteran Labour MP for Huddersfield, Barry Sheerman, might be happy to stand down in 2018, creating a by-election that would give David an easy ride back to Westminster politics. The fact that Sheerman's daughter works for David has added fuel to the speculation.
Three, the Unite threat. Senior figures in Unite are angered by Burnham's secretary's failure to adopt an "anti-austerity" economic policy, the Daily Telegraph reports.
The union has been signing up around 1,000 affiliate Labour members a day through cold-calling and "getting shop stewards to encourage individual union members to join on the spot".
It had been assumed that Unite's general secretary Len McCluskey would then urge them to back Burnham. Not any more, says the Telegraph, which quotes a "senior Unite source" saying: "Instead of having a right-wing economic policy we want a progressive left-wing policy. It doesn't look like Andy Burnham has shone there…
"No matter what is being said in the parliamentary village, out in the trade unions and the Parliamentary Labour Party … there is no demand for a switch back to the Right or back to New Labour."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Pros and cons of solar energy
Pros and cons Solar power could become the primary source of electricity worldwide by 2050 – but there are still clouds in the forecast
By Rebecca Messina, The Week UK Published
-
Post Office's Capture software to be reviewed over 'glitches'
Speed Read Solicitor representing accused postmasters says flaws in the IT system follow 'very similar pattern' to Horizon
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published
-
How the biggest election year in history might play out
The Explainer Votes in world's biggest democracies, as well as its most 'despotic' and 'stressed' countries, face threats of violence and suppression
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Good democracies include their poorest citizens. The UK excludes them'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published