Labour Mayor Burnham Warns Starmer of Defeat to Reform, Demands Leftward Shift

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is launching a regeneration fund targeting over 300 deprived UK areas to combat voter discontent and counter the rising threat from Nigel Farage's Reform party by revitalizing local communities with new powers and investment. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has publicly challenged Starmer's leadership, calling for a "wholesale" reset of Labour policy to prevent an "existential" defeat to Reform at the next general election. Burnham advocates for significant leftward shifts including mass renationalization of housing, energy, and water, criticizing the current government approach as insufficient and divisive. He has also warned that without major cultural and policy changes, Labour risks losing voter confidence and enabling a Reform government. Despite speculation about a leadership bid, Burnham insists he is not yet plotting a return to Westminster but is open to playing any role in turning the country around. The tensions highlight internal Labour party divisions ahead of their conference in Liverpool, as the party struggles with poor polling and leadership challenges.