The Burnham question: A new approach to whipping Westminster?
About this episode
The episode explores the potential governance style of Andy Burnham and its implications for the parliamentary whipping system.
What would an Andy Burnham government actually look and feel like? This week we explore how Andy Burnham might govern, drawing on his experience as a Cabinet minister, his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, and his own writings on constitutional reform. We ask whether a Burnham government would take a fundamentally different approach to Parliament – particularly the use of the party whip – and what that could mean for MPs and the balance of power at Westminster. We also explore why dozens of Presentation Bills were introduced this week, how this legislative procedure works, and whether any of these bills have a realistic chance of becoming law. _________ Andy Burnham has long been a critic of the parliamentary whipping system, arguing that it concentrates power in too few hands and weakens the role of elected MPs. Could a Burnham government take a more relaxed approach to party discipline? Might MPs be given greater freedom to represent their constituents, or would the realities of governing quickly outweigh the case for reform? Drawing on newly published research by parliamentary rebellions expert Professor Philip Cowley, we explore what parliamentary management might…
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- New PM, new Clerk of the House of Commons: A new chapter at Westminster?
- Andy Burnham’s March on Westminster: How Could He Become Prime Minister?
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