14 July 2010 Last updated at 03:01 ET

Burnham admits Labour was beset by factionalism

Mr Burnham says Labour has to leave factionalism behind it

Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham has admitted that the former government was beset by "too much factionalism".

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Burnham said this had left the party "dangerously disconnected to ordinary people".

Mr Burnham said it was now time for a new generation to come forward to put this behind the Labour Party.

He said the party had to provide credible, principled opposition.

"It is time for a new generation in the Labour Party to come forward, hold the floor, and put forward our views for the party," he said.

Mr Burnham was responding to the latest revelations to come out of Peter Mandelson's memoirs, which reveal the rows at the top of the Labour government.

"I saw it at close quarters," said Mr Burnham. "These revelations really go to the heart of why I want to lead the party."