In 2015, Andy Burnham’s bid to lead the Labour Party ended in a decisive defeat, a moment that has since been seen by some as pivotal to his political career. Steve Rotheram, former mayor of the Liverpool City Region and a former colleague, reflects on how Burnham’s subsequent decade outside Westminster transformed his approach to politics.

Burnham’s leadership campaign came at a time when Labour was reeling from a significant election loss and searching for a new path forward. While Burnham sought to rebuild trust with traditional Labour communities, the party’s momentum ultimately shifted toward Jeremy Corbyn’s vision, which called for a more pronounced departure from Labour’s previous policies. This shift left Burnham’s campaign trailing and highlighted how timing can influence political fortunes.

Instead of attempting an immediate return to the national political stage, Burnham took an alternative route by running for the newly established position of mayor of Greater Manchester. His decision to focus on regional leadership, alongside Rotheram’s parallel mayoral bid in Liverpool, was seen by some as a retreat from Westminster politics. However, both men viewed it as an opportunity to engage directly with the issues impacting their communities and to challenge the trend of increasing centralisation in the UK government.

Spending a decade as mayor provided Burnham with firsthand experience in addressing practical concerns such as employment, transportation, housing, and public services. This proximity to everyday challenges, Rotheram suggests, has deepened Burnham’s understanding of the disconnect between parliamentary debates and the everyday realities faced by constituents. The role of mayor, unlike national politics, leaves little room for political manoeuvring; success depends on tangible improvements in residents’ daily lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored Burnham’s leadership style. As decisions affecting millions were made at a distance in Westminster, Burnham became a vocal advocate for Greater Manchester, often challenging government policies he deemed out of touch with local needs. Throughout this period, he maintained a focus on his constituents rather than on personal political gain, countering criticisms that his actions were self-serving.

Rotheram’s assessment highlights a transformation in Burnham’s political evolution—from a conventional Westminster politician to a leader shaped by grassroots engagement and problem-solving. This experience, according to Rotheram, has equipped Burnham with insights and skills that may benefit him as he prepares to re-enter the national political arena.