Allies of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham say he supports Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s planned changes to the immigration system, according to reports from UK outlets. The Guardian says Burnham is understood to be supportive of Mahmood’s efforts to limit both legal and illegal migration, and that he is “keen to reframe” the policy approach rather than oppose it. It adds that the changes have been criticised by some senior Labour MPs, who have argued they are un-British and comparable to US President Donald Trump’s immigration stance.
The Canary similarly reports that Burnham’s associates say he is backing Mahmood’s immigration proposals and describe immigration as a “moral issue.” The Canary also links the reporting to local political context around the Makerfield by-election, where it claims Reform UK holds dominance following May 2026 local elections and where it says the Reform candidate is an extremist figure.
Taken together, the sources agree Burnham allies indicate support for Mahmood’s immigration changes, while differing mainly in emphasis and additional local political commentary.
