Burnham backlash: UK Digital ID plans in peril if Manchester mayor succeeds Starmer

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor and Labour politician, previously opposed the UK government's digital ID plans citing lessons from failed ID card schemes. Burnham has been selected to fight the Makerfield parliamentary seat in a June 2026 by-election, potentially positioning him to challenge PM Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. If Burnham becomes prime minister, he could abandon the digital ID policy despite its support among many Labour MPs.