Andy Burnham is being encouraged to adopt a more economically populist agenda to address the ongoing cost of living crisis if he becomes prime minister, according to a recent opinion poll that suggests such policies could help Labour maintain a parliamentary majority in the next general election.
The survey, which gathered responses from approximately 10,000 voters using a multi-level regression and poststratification (MRP) methodology, highlights the potential electoral benefits of a platform emphasizing radical reforms. This includes measures such as rent controls, wealth taxes, expanded social housing investment, free school meals for all primary-age children, and an affordable energy guarantee.
The research, circulated among Burnham’s senior advisers, paints contrasting electoral scenarios for Labour. Under current conditions, the party risks a significant decline, potentially winning only 95 seats—a historic low since 1918—with 19% of the national vote. By contrast, adopting more interventionist policies aimed at easing the cost of living could boost Labour’s national vote share to 34%, translating into 358 seats and a parliamentary majority of 66. This would represent a decisive victory over Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which has been gaining ground in key battleground constituencies.
Burnham, the Makerfield MP, has recently secured a stronger-than-expected win against Reform UK in his own seat, emboldening calls within Labour for him to take a more assertive stance on economic issues. Sources close to Burnham indicate his approach would depart from conventional policies, prioritizing interventions designed to stimulate growth and improve living standards through greater government involvement in the economy.
Among the policies examined in the poll are an emergency cap on rent increases by landlords, increased state investment in social housing, levying higher taxes on investment returns to align with income tax rates for workers, and universal free school meals for younger children.
Burnham is reportedly considering appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor to help challenge Treasury orthodoxy and drive a more interventionist economic agenda, although no final decisions have been announced.
A spokesperson for Burnham emphasized the prime minister-in-waiting’s commitment to alleviating financial pressures on families by “rewiring Britain” to better serve ordinary people. The strategy includes devolving power across the UK’s regions and nations, with a long-term mission to raise living standards nationwide.
As Labour prepares for a leadership transition following Keir Starmer’s tenure, the party’s direction on economic policy remains a key point of debate amid competing demands from MPs, unions, political advisers, and business groups. The recent polling suggests that embracing a “cost of living populism” platform could be a critical factor in Labour’s electoral prospects.