Former Business Secretary Peter Kyle said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Burnham has not done enough to boost the UK economy.

According to the BBC, Kyle criticised Burnham’s growth strategy as overly cautious and called for a more urgent approach to job creation and investment.

Labour’s credibility at the conference will be tested by calls for urgent economic action.

Burnham’s administration has focused on tax cuts and deregulation, arguing that lower rates will spur private sector growth. Yet, Kyle argues that the promised rise in investment has stalled, with business sentiment remaining muted.

The former minister, who served as business secretary from 2021 to 2023, added that the party’s economic platform needs to match the pace of the global economy. He said the current measures have not produced the expected increase in employment or productivity.

Labour Party conference venue Manchester Central

The Labour Party’s annual conference, slated for 28 September in Manchester, is a key moment for setting the party’s policy agenda. The event will feature speeches from senior leaders, debates on policy priorities and a vote on the party platform.

Internal reports suggest that the conference will also address the party’s economic strategy, a topic that has become increasingly contentious. Critics within the party fear that the current approach could erode Labour’s appeal among voters concerned about job security.

Some party insiders have said that the conference may see a push for a more robust fiscal stimulus package. Others warn that a shift toward aggressive growth measures could alienate the party’s traditional left‑wing base.

Burnham’s response to the criticism has been measured, with the Prime Minister reaffirming confidence in the existing policy framework. He said that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses.

Observers note that Kyle’s remarks could influence the conference agenda, particularly if other senior Labour figures echo his concerns. The conference’s outcomes will shape the party’s direction for the coming election cycle.