Former Andy Burnham adviser tells him: “Don’t backtrack” on LGBTQ+ rights if he reaches Number 10

Former Lord Mayor of Manchester and LGBTQ+ advocate Carl Austin-Behan has urged Andy Burnham not to retreat on LGBTQ+ rights if he becomes Prime Minister.

Speaking on Gaydio Breakfast with Dave Cooper on Thursday 25 June, Austin-Behan joined the show to discuss his work as an ambassador for LGBTQ+ veterans’ charity Fighting With Pride and its Battle for Lost Veterans campaign.

The campaign supports veterans affected by the historic ban on LGBT people serving openly in the UK Armed Forces, and works to ensure those impacted are recognised, supported and not forgotten.

Reflecting on Austin-Behan’s previous role as LGBT adviser to Andy Burnham during Burnham’s time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Cooper asked what advice Austin-Behan would give to Burnham if the former Greater Manchester Mayor were ever handed the keys to Number 10 Downing Street.

Austin-Behan’s response was immediate.

“Don’t backtrack.”

He said any future political leader must stand firm on commitments to LGBTQ+ equality, warning that progress cannot be taken for granted.

“Don’t backtrack on any of the LGBTQ+ commitments that are made,” he said. “Make sure we champion LGBTQ+ people, especially our trans and non-binary siblings.”

Austin-Behan, who has long campaigned on LGBTQ+ rights, said politicians needed to show courage and consistency at a time when many in the community feel equality has become increasingly politicised.

He argued that the UK, once seen by many as a global leader on LGBTQ+ equality, has lost ground in recent years.

“Ten years ago we were further ahead as an LGBT community than we are right now,” he said. “We have had rights taken away.”

Austin-Behan said the next generation of political leadership should focus on rebuilding trust with LGBTQ+ communities and restoring the UK’s reputation on equality.

“Let’s see if we can build back and get back to number one, leading the world when it comes to LGBT rights.”

He added that politicians must listen directly to LGBTQ+ people, rather than making decisions based on assumptions or political interpretation.

“You’ve got to listen to the community,” he said. “Trans rights are human rights and they need to be at the forefront of where we need to be.”

His comments come during a period of heightened debate around LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, with trans and non-binary people in particular facing increased scrutiny in political and public life.

We have approached Andy Burnham's team for comment.