Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has stirred controversy by criticizing Andy Burnham for not addressing inequality, as Blair launched a scathing critique of the current direction of the Labour Party. Some party members are calling for Blair to step back after his critique of Keir Starmer’s approach to Donald Trump, his call to reconsider net zero targets, and his suggestion to review the pension triple lock.

Blair also took aim at Burnham following the latter’s remarks that Britain has been on the wrong trajectory for four decades. Despite concerns raised by senior Labour figure Lord David Blunkett about the timing of Blair’s criticism just weeks before a crucial by-election, he also emphasized that the current leadership should not dismiss Blair’s input as irrelevant.

Burnham, potentially eyeing a leadership challenge if successful in the upcoming by-election on June 18, highlighted Blair’s failure to address inequality in his extensive essay. Blunkett appreciated the breadth of Blair’s challenge but expressed a wish for the timing to be different.

Blair faced backlash for his views on Labour’s self-delusion capacity, the government’s lack of a coherent plan, and his criticism of Burnham’s perspective on the past 40 years. He also raised concerns about the impact of new workers’ rights laws, the phasing out of the oil and gas industry, and the minimum wage increase on economic growth.

While Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson dismissed Blair’s arguments as outdated, Blunkett defended Blair’s perspective, emphasizing the experience of those who have delivered change. Blair’s stance on the government’s Net Zero mission, welfare spending, and state pensions also drew attention and criticism from various Labour figures.

As tensions escalated, Blair continued to criticize the government, calling for a reevaluation of its stance on global issues and domestic policies. His views on welfare spending and the government’s approach to climate change and industry regulation prompted further debate within the Labour Party.

The ongoing discord within Labour, particularly between Blair and other party members, underscores the challenges the party faces in defining its future direction and policies.