Andy Burnham has met the leaders of the trade unions which help fund the Labour Party, as he looks for support ahead of his expected premiership.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the public sector union, Unison, one of the 11 unions affiliated with the party. Union sources described the meeting as “positive”.
In a speech on Monday, his first since launching his bid to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, Burnham suggested he wanted local communities to be given “greater public control of essential services”.
It is understood the GMB union raised this issue with Burnham, specifically on the ownership of water, as well as union access to workplaces.
Unison raised the issue of migrant care workers, who are facing a longer wait for permanent residency under government plans. It is thought that Burnham is open to changing this aspect of immigration policy.
Unite pressed for a wealth tax, more action on the cost of living and what Burnham’s plans for reindustrialisation would involve.
And Burnham’s commitment to maintaining the fiscal rules on debt and borrowing was questioned.
Trade union support is an important step on the way to becoming a candidate for the Labour leadership.
As well as securing the support of 20% of Labour MPs, candidates must also achieve the support of 5% of constituency Labour Parties (CLPs), or at least three affiliates of the party – at least two being trade unions – in order to progress.
Burnham announced his intention to stand shortly after being elected as the MP for Makerfield. He is so far the sole candidate, and if that remains the case he could become the next prime minister as early as 20 July.
A central point of contention between some of the unions and Burnham is the possible appointment of Ed Miliband as his chancellor.
The leader of the Unite union Sharon Graham – who represents workers in the oil and gas industries – has openly criticised the potential appointment of Miliband and has suggested he would “put a noose around the neck of job creation”.
Miliband has repeatedly dismissed calls to approve new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.
Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB, has described the government’s net zero policies on the North Sea oil and gas industries as “shameful” and “economic madness”.
At a private meeting with Burnham last week Smith expressed the concerns of energy workers about existing policy.
But Andrea Egan, the general secretary of Unison, has backed Miliband for chancellor, the Guardian reports.
One other candidate reportedly being mooted as chancellor in a Burnham government is Wes Streeting, Sir Keir’s former health secretary whose resignation contributed to his downfall. No promises on job offers have been given.
Currently, Miliband is seen as the most likely candidate but one MP, who described himself a part of the ‘Stop Ed’ campaign, said he was hopeful that Burnham can be persuaded not to appoint Miliband to avoid the early days of a new premiership being defined by rows over oil and gas.
