Reform UK has launched a blistering attack on Andy Burnham’s vision for Britain, dismissing his flagship 10-year programme for government as “a load of waffle” and warning that voters face “a big, big disappointment.”
Speaking to GB News following Mr Burnham’s first major speech since entering Parliament, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick argued that the Labour leader’s ambitious plans for constitutional reform and regional devolution failed to address the issues voters care about most.
Earlier in the day, Mr Burnham unveiled his blueprint to “rewire Britain”, promising the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern history and setting out what he described as a decade-long mission to revive economic growth and raise living standards.
But Mr Jenrick accused the Labour leader of asking the public to wait far too long for change.
“Andy Burnham hasn’t even walked into No10 and he’s already playing for time,” he said.
He’s saying it’s going to take him 10 years to turn this country around. Well, people can’t wait 10 years. People want to see radical change now. That is what people are crying out for.”
Although Mr Jenrick said he supported spreading prosperity beyond London and the South East, he argued that Mr Burnham’s proposals lacked substance.
“I’m all for spreading prosperity and opportunity across the country. I’m from the Midlands. I want to see every person in this country have lower energy bills, better prospects, good jobs and benefit from a stronger country.
“But I don’t see any of that in what’s being announced today. This sounds like it is just a load of waffle.”
The Reform spokesman claimed Labour’s programme failed to tackle what he described as Britain’s most pressing challenges, including illegal migration, welfare reform, energy costs and economic growth.
“Is Andy Burnham going to secure our borders and stop the boats? No. Is he going to tackle welfare so taxes can come down? No. Is he going to ensure we have lower energy prices so we can truly re-industrialise the North and the Midlands? No.”
He also questioned Mr Burnham’s political legitimacy, arguing that he had not secured a direct electoral mandate for the premiership.
“How is this man supposed to be our Prime Minister when he hasn’t been elected in a general election? He didn’t stand on the Labour Party’s manifesto. He has no mandate.”
Mr Jenrick further criticised the Labour leader for not taking questions from journalists after outlining what was billed as his economic vision.
“I think people are going to find that Andy Burnham talks a good talk, but there’s no substance behind it at all,” he said.
And this is at a moment where the British public want to see radical change being delivered quickly... It’s going to be a big, big disappointment.”
The exchange marks the latest escalation in the political battle over Britain’s economic direction, with Reform UK seeking to portray Labour’s programme as heavy on constitutional reform but light on immediate measures to address growth, energy costs and living standards.
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