Skip to main content
Burnham backs rail strikes, warns Starmer to be clear on what Labour stands for
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, attends a Transport for the North board meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Leeds. Picture date: 08/1/2020

ANDY BURNHAM has endorsed rail strikes planned for next week and called on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to be clear on what the party stands for. 

Distancing himself from the Labour leadership, the Manchester mayor spoke out on Wednesday in support of the right of the RMT union to strike. 

Sir Keir has faced criticism for failing to support the walkout and opposing industrial action — shadow health secretary Wes Streeting was forced to apologise in a shadow cabinet meeting for publicly supporting the strikers.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Andy Burnham surrounded by Labour Party supporters at the launch of his campaign as Labour's candidate for the Makerfield by-election during a press conference at Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, May 22, 2026
Britain / 22 May 2026
22 May 2026

Burnham launches his campaign to return to Westminster

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham speaking at the launch of Class Ceiling at The Whitworth in Manchester, January 26, 2026
Britain / 29 January 2026
29 January 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, November 12, 2025
Labour Party / 15 November 2025
15 November 2025

As the PM and his chief of staff’s blunders have mounted up, ANDREW MURRAY wonders who among Labour’s diminished ‘soft left’ might make a bid for the leadership