In a new series for SalfordOnline.com our local MPs tell us who they’re backing for the much discussed leadership of the Labour Party.
The Worsley and Eccles South MP Barbara Keeley writes…
I am backing Andy Burnham to be Labour leader because I believe he can unite the party and win for Labour in the 2020 General Election.
In this contest it is vital that we elect someone not just as Leader of the Opposition but also as a future Labour Prime Minister.
I have worked closely with Andy since 2005 as he is the MP for our neighbouring constituency of Leigh. I have also seen him work effectively as a Government Minister and Secretary of State and in Opposition as Shadow Health Secretary.
Andy has the right mix of experience to lead Labour and he can also reach out to people outside Westminster politics.
It is important that we have a Leader with a wide appeal. Andy Burnham has the support of the largest number of Labour MPs, including the largest number of women Labour MPs. He also has the support of over 500 Labour Councillors and in constituencies in every region of the country.
Andy has a far-reaching vision for Labour, combining ideas he has put forward throughout his leadership campaign in his personal manifesto.
Firstly Andy wants a future with hope for all young people, without the millstone of debt, through a modern comprehensive education system. This would see tuition fees replaced with a new graduate tax and create new university-style support for young people who are seeking apprenticeships.
He also wants an affordable home for all to rent or own, by freeing councils to build new homes and introducing regulation of the private rented sector. Andy would abolish the youth rate National Minimum Wage, establish a true living wage for all ages, ban forced zero-hours contracts and unpaid internships, ensuring more secure, well-paid jobs.
Andy also supports progressive re-nationalisation of our railways and re-regulation of our buses, meaning we could look forward to more affordable and reliable transport for all.
Most importantly, Andy has pledged funding for social care meaning no one would be forced to sell their home to pay for their care. Social care and its funding would be brought into the NHS in a National Health and Care Service.
I have heard Andy speak about a number of these policies, particularly of his commitment to bring the future funding of social care onto the same basis as NHS care. It is absolutely right to make this a priority so that people can live free from the fear of care charges.
Polls have repeatedly shown that Andy Burnham is the Leader whom the public say will win the next General Election for Labour. Andy will take the fight to the Tories and will deliver a Labour Government that makes our country fairer, more equal and more prosperous.
People in Worsley and Eccles South need a secure job; a decent home; a good standard of living, better prospects for their children and proper care for older family members. I trust Andy Burnham as the Labour Leader with a vision that can help my constituents achieve those hopes.
Read: Graham Stringer MP: Why I’m backing Yvette Cooper for Labour leadership
