Andy Burnham's first Labour conference ends with party buoyed but big tests ahead

Labour conference ends with Burnham buoyed but facing hard choices

Andy Burnham has finished his first Labour Party Conference as Prime Minister, with the event in Liverpool ending on a broadly positive note for him. Analysis after the conference described it as incredibly successful for Burnham, with activists, MPs and cabinet ministers giving him a warm reception. His conference speech was widely seen as empathetic, interesting and full of bold ideas, including a fresh look at Britain's relationship with the European Union, reform of the electoral system and reform of social care.

But the conference also had limits. It took place against the backdrop of events at RAF Fairford, which distracted from the political message. There was a strong streak of nostalgia, with much talk of the pre-Thatcherite era. More importantly, many of Burnham's announcements were framed as things he would do after the next election in three years' time, leaving a gap between the past and the future while he deals with present problems. He has no money, a difficult budget ahead and Middle East issues to manage, and questions about growth and the economy will keep coming.

On the EU, Burnham used the conference to ask whether it is time to re-look at the UK's relationship with Brussels. Supporters see this as offering hope and a trail of breadcrumbs towards closer ties, possibly including a vote on the relationship. But there is disagreement inside Labour. Jonathan Reynolds, the business and trade secretary, sounded reluctant about the customs union idea and repeatedly questioned what Britain would get back. Others want a much closer relationship or a referendum. The coverage also noted wishful thinking about what the EU would offer, with unresolved questions about the terms, the cost and whether closer ties would mean moving towards a single currency. Any serious move is likely to be a long way off, possibly a second Burnham term, if it happens at all.

Electoral reform was another big theme. Burnham has long supported changing the voting system and warned that the current set-up could let someone like Nigel Farage win with around 30 per cent of the vote. But Keir Starmer won a landslide in 2024 with 34 per cent under the existing system, and politicians who promise reform often lose enthusiasm once they have won under the old rules. The issue is also seen by many voters as remote, so it may not materialise.

Overall, Burnham was judged to have grabbed his moment. His speech landed well in the hall and beyond. But analysis warned that external events will keep throwing up bear traps for him, and that there is a danger in believing too many people share the Labour or progressive view on issues such as pensions. The Conservatives will hold their own conference next week, giving the government's opponents their turn in the spotlight.