Andy Burnham’s steadfast relationship with the Jewish community

Now that Andy Burnham has been elected as MP for Makerfield, speculation will inevitably grow as to whether a leadership challenge to become Prime Minister is imminent. Over the last few weeks, I have repeatedly been approached by members of our community who are eager to understand what Andy as Prime Minister would mean for Jewish people at this time of stress and heightened anxiety.

Andy has continually sought a robust partnership with the JRC. He is generous with his time and has repeatedly made every effort to attend events where an invitation has been extended. This includes communal hustings, civic receptions and Yom Hashoah, while also initiating the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. I was also privileged that Andy presented me with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jewish Community Awards in 2025. He has engaged extensively with our organisations including speaking at the Jewish Strategic Group, visiting Heathlands Village, Maccabi, The Helpline, CST, Hatzola and Friendship Circle. He built a strong friendship with Holocaust survivor Ike Alterman, speaking at his Shiva House whilst championing the work of the Fed’s My Voice Project.

Whilst all this work in public is naturally important, the true test of any friendship comes during moments of crisis. Given the levels of loyalty, integrity, trust and respect that have been engendered during countless conversations spanning many years, we had no doubt that at times of distress, Andy would publicly express his solidarity.

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Following the atrocities committed on 7 October 2023, resulting in the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, we organised a vigil in Central Manchester at 24 hours’ notice. Andy participated and spoke. At a moment when we felt isolated and vulnerable, he demonstrated that Greater Manchester’s leadership understood the scale of the tragedy and how it affects Jewish people in the UK.

The second defining moment came much closer to home. The terrorist attack against the Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur shocked the world. Andy’s response was swift and unequivocal, immediately contacting the JRC to state we have his unconditional support. He condemned the attack, recognised it as antisemitic terrorism and stood alongside our community speaking at a hastily arranged press conference and vigil. In my mind this was an important chapter, as his actions while we were frightened and under attack were exemplary. What followed was equally important. Away from the cameras, alongside Deputy Mayor Kate Green, Andy attended a Shabbat service and took questions from the congregation and later joined an emotional Chanukah lighting at the Synagogue.

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However, it would be disingenuous to suggest there have not been times when there have been disagreements. Andy led a call from local authority leaders calling for a ceasefire post 7 October, whilst hostages remained in captivity. Although much of the content was well constructed and demonstrated an awareness of the situation’s complexity, I agreed with the majority in our community that the request gave insufficient weight to Israel’s right and obligation to defend her citizens. It is a great credit to Andy that we reached out and within 72 hours we formally met. Whilst agreement was not reached, he was willing to engage in difficult conversations and listen to opposing views. There have also been other occasions where we have felt the need to address issues of concern and Andy deserves huge credit for never shirking a conversation. That willingness to maintain dialogue, even when there is not consensus is one of the many reasons why our relationship has remained constructive.

As Mayor of Greater Manchester, unlike others holding similar roles, Andy deserves a huge amount of credit for largely staying out of foreign policy, correctly choosing to concentrate on issues he was elected to address. In addition, on the campaign trail in Makerfield, when questioned on the Middle East conflict, he has spoken with sensitivity and balance. While appreciating how our government has reacted to the unprecedented threat of antisemitism, it is no secret to state that there is a growing chasm between the JRC and Labour Party on the conflict. I have been critical on their recognition of a Palestinian State, public statements that in my opinion lacked nuance and understanding, arms and trade embargos alongside the departure from long held diplomatic positions at the UN. It is expected that there will be no significant change to foreign policy under Burnham, with further escalation against Israel a distinct possibility. That will naturally be concerning for most of our community.

The conclusion is that the relationship between Andy and the Greater Manchester Jewish Community must be seen through a prism of mutual respect and understanding. He has persistently publicly substantiated his commitment to our wellbeing. It is my opinion that Andy deserves to be acknowledged for his sustained engagement, accessibility, solidarity and willingness to hold the uncomfortable conversation. Whatever the future holds, I look forward to continuing maintaining and building this important relationship on behalf of the UK Jewish community.

Mark Adlestone OBE is Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region