Burnham calls for ‘aspirational socialism’
By politics.co.uk staff
Andy Burnham has tried to turn the tides of the Labour leadership contest with a programme for ‘aspirational socialism’.
The agenda, which envisages new regulations on work experience, free public transport for teenagers in full-time education, resources for apprenticeships and support for a graduate tax, is an attempt to turn the tide of a leadership contest which is increasingly seen as a two-horse race between the Miliband brothers.
The work experience regulations are front-and-centre of Mr Burnham’s message, as he echoes the views set out by Alan Milburn in his wok on social mobility for Gordon Brown – work he is now doing as advisor to the coalition government.
Under the Burnham proposals, work experience could only last for a maximum of three months, must be paid the minimum wage and must be advertised. The rules are an attempt to prevent internships acting as a bridge into the professions for the middle class – and a barrier to the poor.
“Today, it is harder than ever for young people to make their way in the world … work experience is a system that exploits young people and threatens to throw social mobility into reverse,” Mr Burnham said.
The ‘aspirational socialism’ message relies on a key theme of Mr Burnham’s campaign, which has seen him repeatedly contrast himself with the ‘metropolitan elite’ which runs the party.
“Politics in our country is lacking leaders that people can relate to and identify with. A sense has built over time of a political elite with no real connection to the reality of most people’s lives. I will change that,” the shadow health secretary said.
Ed Balls, the former Brown loyalist who is struggling to establish a firm presence in the race, revealed a ‘ten-point contract’ with the Labour party, which envisaged an improvement in grassroots democracy, the promotion of women and young people, and an end to “undemocratic” methods in the selection process.
