‘He doesn’t mention inequality once’: Burnham hits back at Blair’s Labour criticism

The Guardian UK Wednesday 27 May 2026, 14:55 UTC By Jessica Elgot Deputy political editor 1 min read

Key Points

Andy Burnham and other senior figures have criticised Tony Blair's recent essay, arguing that it fails to address contemporary issues such as inequality and the effects of austerity. Burnham stated that the essay requires a "considered response," which he plans to issue on Thursday.

Burnham joins senior figures such as Torsten Bell saying the former PM’s essay does not address today’s challenges

UK politics live – latest updates

Tony Blair’s criticism of the Labour party fails to engage with inequality and the “extremes of austerity”, senior party figures have said.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who is widely expected to launch a leadership challenge if he wins next month’s Makerfield byelection, said the essay merited a “considered response” and he would set one out on Thursday.

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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‘He doesn’t mention inequality once’: Burnham hits back at Blair’s Labour criticism

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