{
  "id": 16558598,
  "title": "4 reasons Andy Burnham’s MPs are feeling more cheerful — and the pitfalls ahead",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/4-reasons-andy-burnhams-mps-are-feeling-more-cheerful-and-the",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-26T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/4-reasons-andy-burnham-mps-feeling-more-cheerful-plus-pitfalls-ahead/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Andy Burnham, who entered Downing Street as Labour's new leader, has been credited with fostering a more optimistic atmosphere among his MPs. Boris Johnson's predecessor, Keir Starmer, faced criticism following poor local election results and a loss of confidence in his administration. The twelve parliamentarians interviewed by POLITICO for this story have highlighted four key reasons Labour MPs are feeling more cheerful under Burnham, although they still acknowledge potential pitfalls ahead.\n\nFirstly, disagreement within Labour is now being tolerated, with Burnham's administration showing a willingness to recognize different views. He has explicitly stated that disagreement is acceptable as long as MPs communicate with him about it, as Simon Opher, a 2024-intake MP and member of Mainstream, the soft-left faction supported by Burnham, explained. In contrast, Starmer suspended whips from MPs who voted to scrap a two-child benefit cap, only to later reverse this decision.\n\nSecondly, Burnham's team has been more visible, with whips regularly checking in with MPs and the leader attending Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) sub-group meetings. Cabinet ministers have also been available for meetings, providing MPs with more opportunities to voice their concerns. This increased visibility has led to a greater feeling of being heard and trusted by Burnham's administration.\n\nThirdly, Burnham's political instincts are seen as an improvement over Starmer's, according to his MPs. They believe that Burnham understands how politics works and is more savvy in making decisions that balance trade-offs. For example, his decision to delay approval for drilling at the Jackdaw gas field until after a by-election where Labour faces a challenge from the Greens demonstrates his political savvy.\n\nLastly, Labour's resurgence in opinion polls has contributed to the positive mood among MPs. Many Labour MPs agree with the public's dissatisfaction with Starmer's leadership, which has boosted their optimism about the party's prospects. Burnham's popularity with the public has also played a role in fostering a more cheerful atmosphere among his MPs, as he embodies the qualities they hope to see in their leader.",
  "summary": "The British PM's party is impressed with his first 100 days but warn hurdles ahead could test that goodwill.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Business",
        "title": "‘That’s the way the city works’: how the UAE changed the face of Andy Burnham’s Manchester",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/thats-the-way-the-city-works-how-the-uae-changed-the-face-of-andy",
        "published": "2026-10-25T06:00:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}