Tories claim Burnham's local education plan conflicts with Labour's Schools Act

Andy Burnham wants mayors and employers — not Westminster — to design technical education routes. Conservatives say this contradicts Labour's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which centralises academies, admissions, and teacher pay. No 10 backed Burnham's plan with a 4,000-word release and nearly 20 endorsements. The Tories' specific objections remain publicly thin.