Keir Starmer is under renewed scrutiny from Labour members shortly after a significant reshuffle, as figures from across the party unite behind a new initiative supported by Andy Burnham, aimed at reshaping Labour’s trajectory.
The group, named Mainstream, is expected to impact the upcoming deputy leadership election, with Burnham endorsing former cabinet minister Louise Haigh and ex-Commons leader Lucy Powell for key roles.
Mainstream has been organized by Compass, a center-left think tank, alongside Open Labour, and enjoys backing from Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester. When questioned, he did not dismiss the possibility of seeking a future leadership bid with the group’s endorsement.
Supporters span the party spectrum, from left-wing members to centrists, including Labour peers Alf Dubs and Anna Healy, MPs Clive Lewis, Dawn Butler, Alex Sobel, Clive Efford (who chairs the Tribune group), former Blair-era minister John Denham, and Momentum founder Jon Lansman.
Burnham told *CuriosityNews*: “Mainstream represents the necessary shift toward a more inclusive, less divided approach to party leadership. This isn’t just correct in principle—it’s essential for the current moment.
“We must move past the mindset where every disagreement is seen as a danger. Open discussion can be a chance to drive real progress.
“Labour has always had its divisions, but recent tensions are worse than I’ve seen in nearly four decades. A factional mindset won’t win elections—only a broader strategy can.”
Organizers describe the group as a hub for “Labour’s radical realists,” offering a forum to debate policy, vision, and electoral tactics. They also plan to advocate in local branches nationwide for what they call ambitious yet achievable reforms.
Meanwhile, members are preparing to introduce a motion at the party conference urging the prime minister to abolish the two-child benefit cap—a policy widely criticized for worsening child poverty.
The proposal, supported by Momentum, Open Labour, and Compass, suggests funding the measure with £6 billion from taxes on banks and the online gambling sector. The idea has previously been endorsed by former Labour leader Gordon Brown.
The renewed involvement of Compass in Labour affairs follows polling indicating widespread backing among members for wealth taxes, democratic reform, and stronger efforts to tackle child poverty.
Mainstream’s backers argue the Labour government has failed to present a clear, compelling strategy for national change. They recognize the challenge posed by Reform UK and suggest Starmer’s leadership appears uncertain and ill-prepared to offer a convincing left-wing alternative.
The group pledges to operate transparently in promoting its agenda.
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