Andy Burnham is “too in hock to vested interests” to offer real change, Zack Polanski has said as the Greens launched a pushback against the incoming prime minister. Under Polanski’s leadership, the Green party in England and Wales has more than tripled its membership and is closely tracking Labour in opinion polls, with much of the new support coming from former Labour voters disenchanted with Keir Starmer’s approach.
Green Party Targets Burnham’s Record
The Greens are planning a media blitz before Burnham replaces Starmer in Downing Street on Monday. The campaign aims to counter the idea that Burnham will offer a notably more left-leaning agenda, arguing he has gone quiet on several policies he previously supported. In a social media post on Thursday, Polanski said the reported decision by Burnham to install Shabana Mahmood rather than Ed Miliband as chancellor showed he was “subservient to the City of London” and not up to the task of delivering change.
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Key Policy Areas of Contrast
A Green plan seen by the Guardian focuses on a series of policy areas where they portray “semi-skimmed Andy” as offering only verbal support, while the Greens propose “full-fat” implementation backed by polling data. These areas include rent controls, wealth taxes, and Gaza policy. As Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham supported rent controls but has not committed to anything in No 10, whereas the Greens are pushing to impose them.
| Policy Area | Burnham’s Stance | Green Party Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Controls | Verbal support, no commitment | Full implementation |
| Wealth Tax | Likely to fudge via capital gains | Separate wealth tax (81% Labour voter support) |
| Gaza | Apologized for initial Labour response | Stronger policy contrast |
Why Voters Are Switching
Polanski argues that Burnham is too influenced by vested interests to deliver meaningful change. The Green document says Burnham seems likely to “fudge the issue” by changing capital gains tax thresholds, compared to their proposals for a separate wealth tax, an idea the party says is backed by 81% of 2024 Labour voters. Burnham, in one of his few policy interventions since returning to parliament last month, apologized for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza under Starmer.
Key Takeaways
- Green Party membership has tripled under Polanski’s leadership.
- Burnham is seen as cautious and weak on wealth taxes, rent controls, and Gaza.
- Greens plan a media blitz before Burnham takes office.
- Polling shows 81% of Labour voters support a wealth tax.
FAQ
What is Zack Polanski’s main criticism of Andy Burnham?
Polanski says Burnham is “too in hock to vested interests” to offer real change, portraying him as cautious and weak on key policies like wealth taxes and rent controls.
How has the Green Party grown under Polanski?
Under Polanski’s leadership, the Green party in England and Wales has more than tripled its membership, drawing many former Labour voters.
What policy contrasts are highlighted in the Green plan?
The Green plan contrasts Burnham’s “semi-skimmed” approach with their “full-fat” proposals on rent controls, a wealth tax, and Gaza policy.
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