Looking back at the political landscape two years prior, when the nation prepared to welcome its sixth Prime Minister within an eight-year span, I penned an open message of congratulations to Sir Keir while outlining potential areas for reform to move beyond self-interested politics.
With Andy Burnham now entering his second week in Number 10, I could simply reissue that same correspondence, given how little has shifted, but I have chosen not to.
Historical behaviour serves as the strongest indicator of future conduct. For the second instance, we find ourselves with a Prime Minister who previously oversaw policing in a major urban centre.
Similar to Boris Johnson’s position as London Mayor, which included responsibility as Police and Crime Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Burnham’s role as Manchester Mayor encompassed the equivalent PCC duties in that region.
PCCs bear accountability for their force’s governance and must hold chief officers responsible for effectiveness and efficiency. This is neither a passive nor ceremonial position. Under Sir Keir Starmer’s administration, plans to scrap PCCs were unveiled, and there is no indication this direction will alter.
With that context established, examining Burnham’s policing background seems prudent to gauge his potential impact on law enforcement.
Upon taking office as mayor, his relationship with Greater Manchester Police proved contentious. Three years into his tenure, the force entered special measures following a damning inspectorate assessment.
He played a significant role in ousting then-Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and installing Sir Stephen Watson as his replacement. While this could be characterised as decisive leadership, one must recall that Burnham had been in post for three years and bore responsibility for Hopkins’ performance and consequently the force’s overall standing. The inspectorate, not the mayor, ultimately highlighted their deficiencies.
Despite this, those who collaborated with him within the force developed a favourable view. The chair of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, representing officers up to chief inspector rank, informed Police Oracle that Burnham demonstrated willingness to engage and genuine interest in policing challenges across Greater Manchester.
The official further noted Burnham provided substantial backing for the force. Unsurprisingly, the Chief Constable holds the mayor in high regard, given that Burnham appointed Sir Stephen with a specific brief to return to core policing principles, eliminate what he termed performative gestures, and deliver a firm, visible and fair service for all residents of Greater Manchester.
The force has undeniably progressed and is rebuilding public trust. While any statistics must be considered carefully, notable reductions in crime, increased arrest figures and better management of emergency calls are accomplishments worth acknowledging.
Burnham is far from a police apologist. After facing jeers at the Hillsborough Disaster Memorial held at Anfield, he persuaded the then Prime Minister to amend legislation, clearing the way for fresh inquests and criminal proceedings against officers and others connected to the tragedy.
He commissioned Dame Vera Baird QC’s examination of how women were treated while in custody, which uncovered significant problems including improper strip searches and inadequate care for vulnerable female detainees. When footage surfaced appearing to show officers assaulting several young men at Manchester Airport, he initially condemned their actions, but upon reviewing the complete recording, displayed the resolve to reconsider his position and caution the public that the situation was more nuanced than initially apparent.
He offered sharp criticism of Greater Manchester Police following the release of the Manchester Arena Public Inquiry findings, asserting they had failed badly due to poor leadership, a poor internal culture and an inability to collaborate properly. He also censured senior officers for providing misleading information to his office during his initial weeks as mayor regarding the bombing.
What emerges is a Prime Minister with a history of both championing and challenging the police. Whether the demands of national leadership will dilute his measured approach remains uncertain.
Yet perhaps we may finally have a Prime Minister who recognises policing as a vital and intricate public service deserving of genuine support.
Graham Bartlett, former head of Brighton and Hove Police, is the author of the Brighton-based Jo Howe crime fiction series and advises writers and television producers on authentic crime and policing narratives.