Overview
- Cooper made the remarks on the Political Currency podcast, publicly admitting Labour "hasn't done government very well" and adding that the party's focus shifted after its early 'missions'.
- She criticised Keir Starmer's management as a "bring me solutions, not problems" style and said the prime minister at times made major announcements without being closely involved in policy development.
- Cooper contrasted that with Andy Burnham's consultative approach, saying he asks ministers to bring him problems so they can work together on solutions and noting his personal drive on social care.
- At the same time she highlighted concrete Labour achievements, citing 3,000 more neighbourhood police and falling NHS waiting lists, and said frequent reshuffles left her frustrated at not finishing initiatives.
- The comments add a high‑profile intra‑party assessment that could shape cabinet dynamics and public messaging under Burnham while leaving policy changes unconfirmed and subject to wider fiscal and planning pressures reported since his appointment.