Matthew McGregor, the former director of campaigns and communications at Hope Not Hate, has been appointed to a senior role within Labour leader Andy Burnham’s political team, signaling a potential shift toward left-wing policies in Burnham’s strategy. Details of McGregor’s appointment emerged late on Friday, highlighting his influence on the Labour frontbench.
McGregor has publicly supported a range of progressive policies, including the introduction of what he describes as an “ultra-rich” tax, advocating that any new taxation measures should disproportionately target the wealthiest individuals along with major financial institutions, gambling companies, and fossil fuel firms. He has also endorsed the idea of a four-day working week and criticized blanket opposition to tax rises as a “dead end for the country.”
Prior to his new role, McGregor was an active campaigner against benefit reforms introduced by the outgoing Prime Minister, welcoming the dilution of cuts “significantly more than many people thought possible.” He emphasized the role of grassroots activism in influencing MPs to oppose the bill, particularly highlighting the engagement of disabled campaigners. Despite acknowledging some positive elements within the legislation, McGregor expressed concern that the overall impact would drive many into poverty.
McGregor has also voiced unease about the growing influence of Palantir, a US-based data analytics firm with several government contracts. Citing an email from Green Party leader Zack Polanski, he described Palantir’s widespread involvement across public sectors—including the NHS, armed forces, and local councils—as “frightening.” The company’s controversial ties to the Israeli military and US immigration enforcement have prompted Labour MPs and trade unions to call for the cancellation of its UK contracts.
On foreign policy, McGregor has taken a pro-Palestinian stance, campaigning for Gaza to be a priority topic during Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with former US President Donald Trump in 2025. He led a petition urging Starmer to use his relationship with Trump to help “stop the starvation of the people of Gaza.” McGregor also opposed the prohibition of Palestine Action, criticizing the ban as “a waste of police resources” and an inappropriate use of anti-terrorism laws.
Ahead of joining Number 10, McGregor deleted his social media account after a series of contentious tweets resurfaced. Among these was a 2016 post during the Brexit referendum campaign targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage with derogatory language beneath a photograph of Farage standing by his “breaking point” poster.
McGregor’s appointment signals a more explicitly progressive approach in Burnham’s operation, reflecting priorities on taxation, social justice, foreign policy, and digital surveillance concerns that may shape the direction of any future Labour-led government under Burnham.