Greater Manchester Mayor signals willingness to work with Greens as Labour faces pressure from Reform UK

Andy Burnham has sparked fresh political debate after refusing to rule out a future alliance between Labour and the Green Party, raising questions about the future direction of British politics ahead of the high-stakes Makerfield by-election.

The Greater Manchester Mayor suggested he would be open to working with all political parties including Zack Polanski’s Greens if he were to eventually replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

Burnham, who is contesting the upcoming Makerfield by-election on June 18 as Labour’s candidate, is widely seen as a potential challenger for the Labour leadership should he return to Westminster.

Burnham Signals “Common Ground” Politics

Speaking in an interview with The Observer, Burnham was asked whether he would consider a “progressive alliance” with the Green Party.

He responded by saying:

“I would try and work with all political parties. Enduring change tends to come when it’s more than your own tribe subscribing to it. British politics has got to get back to a search for common ground.”

His comments are likely to fuel speculation over a possible Labour-Green cooperation at a time when the Greens are rapidly gaining momentum across the UK.

Greens Rising as Labour Support Slips

The Green Party, currently led by Zack Polanski, has seen a major rise in popularity in recent months much of it believed to have come at Labour’s expense.

Recent polling places the Greens at around 15% nationally, while the party secured nearly 600 council seats in this month’s local elections.

Polanski previously ruled out working with Sir Keir Starmer but hinted he could cooperate with Burnham in order to prevent Reform UK from gaining power.

Despite internal debate among Green figures, including former leader Caroline Lucas urging the party not to split the progressive vote, the Greens are still contesting the Makerfield seat against Labour.

Labour Blocks Local Deals With Greens

The debate over Labour-Green cooperation intensified after reports emerged that Labour had blocked some local council groups from forming agreements with Green councillors.

According to reports, Labour insiders cited a potential “reputational risk” linked to controversies surrounding some Green Party candidates and allegations involving anti-Semitism within sections of the party.

The move highlights growing tensions between Labour strategists seeking electoral dominance and progressive figures calling for broader political cooperation.

Why This Election Matters

The Makerfield contest is now being viewed as more than just a by-election. It could become a key test of:

  • Andy Burnham’s national popularity
  • Labour’s ability to stop Reform UK
  • The growing influence of the Green Party
  • Whether progressive alliances could shape future UK elections

With political tensions rising and voter loyalties shifting, all eyes are now on Makerfield ahead of polling day.