Andy Burnham has 'serious questions to answer' as trans row erupts

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a Labour leadership hopeful, has drawn criticism for his stance on transgender access to female spaces. During a 2022 meeting with Manchester’s youth combined authority, Burnham stated that biological males identifying as female should be allowed to use women’s toilets, calling opposition to this a “small minority view.” He argued that concerns about safety were overblown, emphasizing support for trans rights and rejecting what he called a “polarised” debate. The comments have reignited debates over Labour’s approach to gender policy, particularly after Keir Starmer’s 2023 remark that ‘99.9% of women haven’t got a penis.’ Reform UK’s Suella Braverman accused Burnham of siding with a ‘radical trans lobby,’ questioning how women in his upcoming Makerfield by-election constituency could support him. She argued his views undermine biological definitions of womanhood, despite a 2025 Supreme Court ruling clarifying that women are defined by biological sex under equalities law. Burnham’s remarks also threaten to revive Labour’s internal divisions over gender issues, which previously led to the expulsion or resignation of members like Independent MP Rosie Duffield. Duffield, who left Labour after facing backlash for advocating for women’s single-sex spaces, urged Burnham to engage with women’s rights groups and address past party discrimination. She stated that meaningful change on women’s rights would be necessary for her to consider rejoining Labour. The controversy highlights tensions between trans rights advocacy and protections for women’s spaces, with Burnham framing the debate as unnecessary polarization. His refusal to explicitly align with biological definitions of womanhood has drawn sharp criticism from opponents, who argue it signals a broader failure to prioritize women’s safety and rights. The issue now looms over Burnham’s leadership ambitions, particularly as he seeks to replace Starmer in a party still grappling with its stance on gender policy.