# Burnham tells Labour to prepare for Tory comeback

> Andy Burnham warns the Labour party to refocus on the Conservatives as an electoral threat after two years of prioritising Reform and the Greens.
- Title: Burnham tells Labour to prepare for Tory comeback | Shortify
- Summary: Andy Burnham warns the Labour party to refocus on the Conservatives as an electoral threat after two years of prioritising Reform and the Greens.
- Keywords: andy burnham, labour party, kemi badenoch, conservatives, election strategy, reform uk, polling, keir starmer, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/nov/13/andy-burnham-urges-labour-to-re-arm-for-kemi-badenoch-comeback
- Published: 2026-11-13T18:20:01+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: andy burnham, labour party, kemi badenoch, conservatives, election strategy, reform uk, polling, keir starmer, news, world
## Burnham warns of Tory resurgence
Andy Burnham has instructed Labour to re-arm for the next election, concerned that the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch could mount a serious comeback.
## Labour has focused on Reform
Downing Street sources said the prime minister wanted Labour headquarters to refocus on the Tories as an electoral threat after more than two years of prioritising Nigel Farage's Reform and the Greens.
## Tory polling has surged
The Conservatives took twenty-four percent of the vote at the last general election, dipped to eighteen percent, but last week rose to twenty-five percent according to More in Common polling.
## Badenoch shifts to economy
Many Tory MPs now believe they have a route back, with Badenoch appearing to recognise that the economy rather than culture wars presents her with an opportunity among core supporters.
## Labour seats at risk
Cabinet ministers including transport secretary Heidi Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds, and Europe minister Hamish Falconer have Tory-facing seats, as do Labour MPs across Hertfordshire, Kent and parts of London.
## Labour considers campaign tactics
One tactic under discussion is talking up the prospect of a Tory-Reform pact, suggesting voters would only return to the Tories if they could win a majority, but might stay with Labour if worried about…
## Badenoch's ratings strong but party lags
While Badenoch's personal ratings are relatively strong, the Conservatives overall lag way behind. A third of people who said Badenoch was doing a good job still said they would not vote for her party.
## Labour to increase resources in January
The party is understood to be preparing to devote more resources to taking on the Tories from January in the run-up to the May elections, which will be a test of whether the Conservatives have…
## Labour faces two-front battle
Luke Tryl, director of More in Common, said Labour now has two fronts on its right flank and must prepare for all outcomes, with Reform showing ability to squeeze the Conservatives but having definite limits.

> Reform has shown an ability to squeeze the Conservatives but it definitely has limits, so they're definitely going to be on the pitch at the next election.
## Key takeaway

Andy Burnham has instructed Labour to prepare for a potential Conservative resurgence under Kemi Badenoch, with polling showing Tory support rising to twenty-five percent.