Andy Burnhams blatant cronyism as Josh Simons given cushy high-paid job

Josh Simons Appointed to Lead Downing Street Policy Unit Under Potential Burnham Premiership

Josh Simons, the former Labour MP for Makerfield, is expected to be appointed head of Downing Street’s Policy Unit under a prospective Andy Burnham government, according to multiple reports from Labour sources. The move comes just weeks after Simons vacated his parliamentary seat to facilitate Burnham’s return to the House of Commons.

A Calculated Political Exchange

Simons, who served as MP for Makerfield from 2024 until his resignation in May 2026, stepped down explicitly to trigger a by-election in the safe Labour seat. This paved the way for Andy Burnham, the popular former Mayor of Greater Manchester, to stand and secure a parliamentary platform from which to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.

Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026 with a commanding majority of over 9,200 votes. His victory accelerated the ongoing Labour leadership crisis, culminating in Starmer’s resignation on 22 June. Burnham is now the clear frontrunner to become the next Prime Minister, with party nominations currently underway.

The arrangement has been widely interpreted as a quid pro quo. In return for yielding his seat, Simons — a close ally with significant policy experience — is lined up for one of the most influential unelected roles in government. Labour allies describe him as well-qualified for the position, citing his background in strategic policy development.

Simons’ Background and Trajectory

Aged 32, Simons has enjoyed a rapid rise in Labour circles. A Cambridge graduate with experience in AI research at Meta and as a policy adviser, he directed the influential centre-left think tank Labour Together from 2022 to 2024. The organisation played a pivotal role in developing policy and organisational strategy that contributed to Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

His ministerial career was brief but eventful. Appointed to junior roles in the Cabinet Office and as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital Government in early 2026, Simons resigned in February following controversy surrounding Labour Together’s commissioning of a public affairs firm to investigate journalists critical of the think tank. Although cleared of breaching the Ministerial Code, he cited the issue as a distraction.

Salary and Seniority

The head of the Downing Street Policy Unit is a senior special adviser position. Reports suggest the role could command a salary in the region of £180,000 — approximately double the standard MP’s salary of around £91,000–£99,000. While exact terms have not been formally confirmed, such remuneration would align with compensation for top-tier No. 10 advisory posts.

Reactions and Controversy

The appointment has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Some on the left view it as a continuation of centrist influence associated with figures from the Labour Together network, potentially limiting Burnham’s room for more radical policy shifts. Others, including opponents from Reform UK and Conservative circles, have described the sequence of events as cronyism and a “stitch-up,” arguing that voters in Makerfield were used as a vehicle for leadership ambitions.

Defenders maintain that the move reflects standard political pragmatism and that Simons’ expertise in policy, technology, and strategy makes him a valuable asset at a time when the new administration will need to move swiftly.

Broader Implications

As Labour navigates its leadership transition, the elevation of Simons highlights the interplay between personal loyalty, policy continuity, and the mechanics of power within the party. Burnham, often styled as the “King of the North,” has positioned himself as a candidate for change. However, his reliance on established Westminster figures such as Simons suggests elements of continuity alongside renewal.

With the leadership contest reaching its conclusion in the coming days, all eyes will be on the composition of the incoming team. The appointment of Josh Simons to lead the Policy Unit would signal both reward for past service and a clear preference for experienced, centrist-oriented policy direction in No. 10.