Andy Burnham said he sticks by the campaigns he supports in a dig at Keir Starmer and senior Labour poliiticans – in a hint that has been welcomed by WASPI campaigners
WASPI campaigners have voiced their delight after Andy Burnham said he would “stick by” them in a swipe at Keir Starmer.
In a hint that he might sanction payouts if he becomes PM, the Greater Manchester Mayor said he was uncomfortable with the way millions of 1950s-born women had been treated by politicians. He told a hustings event ahead of the Makerfield by-election that he sticks by the campaigns he supports as he criticised the PM and senior Labour politicians.
The PM is under fire after the government ruled out payouts to over 3.5million women affected by the pension age scandal. He rejected an independent watchdog’s call to award between £1,000 and £2,950 to 1950s-born women because of maladminstration.
The total bill could be as high as £10billion. Mr Burnham said: “I have long supported the campaign and I feel uncomfortable when politicians were all holding up their banner and then got into government and didn’t do anything.
“So I stick by the campaigns that I support. I stuck by the Hillsborough families and I will stick by the WASPI women because they deserve some recompense for the unfairness.”
The government has refused to pay compensation to women affected by failings at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In 2024 the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 – meaning a potential £10billion bill.
Angela Madden, who chairs the Women Against State Pension Inequality ( WASPI ) group, said: “Andy Burnham’s continued support for WASPI women is both welcome and hugely refreshing.
“While some politicians have broken their promises, it takes real courage to speak out and say what millions of people across the country and hundreds of MPs from all parties already know – that 1950s-born women deserve justice.
“The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been clear that compensation is owed and should be paid without delay. All that is missing now is the political will to deliver it.
“WASPI recently met with Andy and we look forward to working closely with him to turn his support into action, should he return to Westminster after next week’s by-election.”
Failure to properly notify affected women that the state pension age was rising from 60 to 65 meant many were unable to plan for their future. In extreme cases women were plunged into poverty after leaving their jobs unaware of the change.
While Labour was in opposition, senior party figures including Mr Starmer backed the campaign. But it has repeatedly refused to authorise compensation payments, most recently in January.
The PM claimed 90% of women impacted by the state pension age going up were aware it was happening. He told the Commons in December 2024: “I set out the history but the research is clear that 90% of those impacted did know about the change. In those circumstances the taxpayers simply can’t afford the burden of tens of billions of pounds of compensation, but I do understand the concerns.”
Mr Burnham is expected to challenge Mr Starmer if he successfully wins the Makerfield by-election next week. He confirmed on BBC Question Time last Thursday that he would join a leadership race if one is triggered. Mr Starmer has vowed to fight if there is a contest.
Last month WASPI campaigners confirmed they are launching a fresh legal challenge against the refusal to introduce a compensation scheme. At the time Mrs Madden said: “The Government has had every opportunity to do the right thing for WASPI women. Instead, they have made a political choice that risks alienating voters in hundreds of marginal seats across the country.
“Labour MPs have seen the electoral data. They know WASPI women have the numbers to unseat them. Yet ministers continue to ignore the independent Ombudsman, their own backbenchers, and millions of voters.”