Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, has blamed former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for many of Britain's current problems as he campaigns for a parliamentary seat in the Makerfield by-election. burnham, who has been mayor since 2017, used a campaign video to criticize Thatcher's legacy nearly 36 years after she left office, arguing that her policies have contributed to ongoing economic and social issues.

The $50p tax rate and wealth redistribution

Burnham has proposed increasing the top rate of income tax to 50p and praised Gordon Brown's controversial 10p tax rate. He has also suggested that wealth should be shifted from the South to the North of England, a policy that could reshape the economic landscape of the country.. according to the report, Burnham believes that these measures are necessary to address the economic disparities that have persisted since Thatcher's tenure.

'You've clearly got no idea how much people here are struggling'

In his campaign video, Burnham emphasized the struggles of people in Manchester and the wider region. He stated, "You've clearly got no idea how much people here are struggling," highlighting the economic hardships faced by many residents. Burnham's focus on the cost of living and the need for fundamental changes in areas such as energy, transport, water, and housing resonates with many voters who feel left behind by current policies.

Changing Labour and electoral reform

Burnham has indicated that he wants to "change Labour" and has suggested that MPs should be elected using the supplementary vote method. However, he admitted that this would need to be included in a manifesto first. This vagueness in his approach has drawn attention as the by-election contest heats up. according to the report, Burnham's campaign is facing scrutiny over his specific policy proposals and how he plans to implement them if elected .

An echo of Manchester's 2017 mayoral election

Burnham's campaign for a parliamentary seat echoes his successful bid for the Manchester mayoralty in 2017. At that time, he ran on a platform of addressing local issues and improving the lives of residents. His current campaign seems to be building on that foundation, with a focus on economic justice and regional development. The report suggests that Burnham's experience as mayor could give him an edge in the by-election , but his ability to articulate a clear vision for the future remains a key challenge.