Former Business Secretary Says Burnham Not Doing Enough to Drive Growth

Former Business Secretary Peter Kyle has said Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is not doing enough to boost economic growth, calling for more urgency on the issue as Labour members head into the party's annual conference.

Kyle's remarks add to an ongoing debate within the Labour party over the pace and direction of its economic strategy, at a moment when growth remains one of the government's most closely watched political battlegrounds.

Burnham has built a prominent national profile as one of Labour's most visible regional leaders, and has often argued for devolved areas to receive a greater share of investment and decision-making power from central government.

Kyle's comments come as delegates convene for the party conference, an event that traditionally serves as a platform for internal debate over Labour's policy direction and long-term economic priorities.

Growth has remained a persistent challenge for the UK economy in recent years, and pressure has continued to build on the government to show tangible progress on the issue.

Further details of Kyle's specific proposals, and any response from Burnham's office, were not immediately available.