Why Andy Burnham’s opponents have branded him a ‘human shopping trolley’

Politics
19 May 2026 • 7:13 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why Andy Burnham’s opponents have branded him a ‘human shopping trolley’

  • Allies of Wes Streeting have criticised Andy Burnham, labelling him a "human shopping trolley" for recent policy U-turns.
  • The jibe highlights an escalating rivalry between Burnham and Streeting, both vying to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader.
  • Burnham has recently reversed his positions on Brexit, now stating he would not reopen the question of EU membership, and on economic policy, agreeing to abide by government fiscal rules.
  • These policy shifts follow earlier suggestions of rejoining the EU and funding defence spending through additional borrowing, sparking controversy.
  • The withering “shopping trolley” jibe was first used by Boris Johnson’s senior No 10 adviser Dominic Cummings to deride what he saw as Mr Johnson’s chaotic conduct as prime minister.

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