Labour’s Brexit Divide Runs Deep

The latest developments in the Labour leadership contest have exposed a deepening divide within the party over its stance on Brexit. Key figures from the Blue Labour movement, once seen as a pro-Remain faction, have abandoned Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor who has been touted as a potential leader. Instead, they’re backing home secretary Shabana Mahmood.

The Blue Labour movement was founded by Lord Maurice Glasman and aimed to bridge the gap between Labour’s traditionalist left and its progressive wing. However, its members have been vocal in their criticism of Burnham’s support for rejoining the EU, with some suggesting that his position is at odds with the party’s core values. Speaking at the Brexit Unleashed conference, Glasman made it clear that he wanted to see Mahmood lead the party, citing her authenticity and commitment to patriotism.

This development is significant because Blue Labour has long been a key player in the Labour leadership contest. Its members have historically influenced party policy on issues like immigration, trade unions, and social justice. Burnham’s support for rejoining the EU was seen as a major hurdle by many within the faction, and their decision to abandon him will likely be a blow to his campaign.

Burnham’s supporters are pointing fingers at allies of the Prime Minister and Labour MPs like Wes Streeting, who have been accused of running a “dirty tricks” campaign against the Greater Manchester mayor. The row has raised questions about how much Brexit remains a dominant issue in British politics, particularly within Labour. Some argue that the party needs to move on from its past mistakes and focus on more pressing issues like the cost of living crisis.

Others believe that Labour’s continued infighting over Brexit is a symptom of a wider problem – its inability to connect with voters outside of Westminster. The latest polls suggest that Burnham is still the best-placed candidate to take on Nigel Farage in a head-to-head contest, but his support for rejoining the EU remains a major liability.

The stakes are high as Labour prepares for the Makerfield by-election, where Burnham will face off against Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon. The outcome of this election is likely to have significant implications for the party’s leadership contest and its chances in next year’s general election.

Labour’s Brexit divide runs deep, and it’s unclear whether the party can ever fully heal from these wounds. As Glasman warned at the conference, if Labour fails to get its act together, it risks being “obliterated” at the polls. The clock is ticking for Keir Starmer’s successor, who will need to navigate this treacherous landscape and find a way to unite the party behind a clear vision for Britain’s future.

As the leadership contest heats up, one thing remains clear: Labour’s Brexit problem is far from over.