A Spanish Blueprint for Burnham’s Britain?

Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, has demonstrated resilience and political pragmatism in a career marked by setbacks. Following his forced resignation from the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) in 2016, Sánchez regained leadership by reconnecting with party members and left-wing voters, eventually becoming prime minister in 2018.

Sánchez’s success stems from governing as a centrist progressive rather than a rigid ideologue. His administration has implemented key social reforms, such as increasing the minimum wage, investing in renewable energy, expanding abortion rights, and capping rent increases—policies that have bolstered support among voters. In the 2023 general election, Sánchez framed the contest as a choice between his progressive coalition and a reversal of these social protections, which proved effective in securing re-election.

However, Sánchez’s political journey has not been without challenges. Investigations involving family members, party figures, and associates have undermined his administration, and Spain has lacked a national budget since 2023 due to his minority government’s inability to pass legislation. Despite these domestic difficulties, Sánchez has adopted a prominent international role, criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and defending Palestinian statehood.

This stance has enhanced his standing among progressives but has not yet translated into significant domestic polling improvements.

For British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Sánchez’s trajectory offers valuable lessons. Both men experienced setbacks before reaching the top—Burnham lost two Labour leadership contests before rebuilding his reputation as mayor of Greater Manchester—and both have pursued progressive agendas while maintaining pragmatic governance.

Burnham’s strategy to combine bold progressive rhetoric with tangible results could prove crucial for Labour’s electoral viability. Sánchez’s government has supported policies like regularizing undocumented migrants and committing significant funds to the green transition. By occupying the center-left ground, Sánchez has weakened parties further left, a lesson Burnham must consider as he seeks to strengthen Labour.

Sánchez’s experience underscores that progressive politics can remain electorally viable when paired with policies that visibly improve voters’ lives. Burnham must decide whether to emulate this approach or risk his political reinvention becoming merely an appealing narrative without concrete impact.