Andy Burnham, the likely next prime minister, may have to leave his 'Manchester clothes' in the cupboard when he gets to No 10, according to fashion and lifestyle editor Morwenna Ferrier. Burnham's style evolution from Armani suits to polo shirts, Clarks Wallabees, and shorts has become a key part of his political brand.
From Suits to Shorts: Burnham's Wardrobe Journey
Burnham has undergone several incarnations in his political career, reflected in his clothing choices. His current 'Manchester Andy' look includes buttoned-up polo shirts, an Everton shirt, Clarks Wallabees, a yellow Bee Network pin, black T-shirts, and 5-inch running shorts. This style projects a gen X dad, northern indie fella image, positioning him as Labour's last big hope for political redemption.
However, if Burnham reaches No 10, he will likely need to wear a tie again. Kemi Badenoch recently described him as a 'pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt,' a comment Burnham corrected by noting the T-shirt was actually navy. He also addressed his wardrobe in a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, saying, 'It's been such a wrench to leave that I've had to get special permission from what people in Westminster call my Manchester clothes.'
Identity Dressing: Authenticity as Political Strategy
Burnham's clothing choices are a form of identity dressing, similar to George W. Bush's cowboy hats or Ron DeSantis's branded fishing gear. His wardrobe signals that he works on policy while listening to Orange Juice. This authenticity resonates with voters, as Britain does not like a leader who appears to shop excessively, as seen with Rishi Sunak's Prada loafers or Liz Truss's accessories.
Burnham's ability to adapt his style reflects his political adaptability. He used to wear Armani suits (bought in the sale) but now embraces a more casual vibe. This shift shows he is listening to constituents, which is crucial in politics. As Ferrier notes, 'Politics is not about fashion but it is about optics.'
Gender and Authenticity in Political Fashion
Burnham's casualness could be seen as a male privilege, as women politicians like Angela Rayner faced criticism for wearing flatforms. However, being too casual can backfire, as Jeremy Corbyn learned. Burnham's clothing choices feel authentic, unlike Keir Starmer's Stone Island tops, which Ferrier describes as 'the clothing equivalent of a teleprompter.'
The worker's jacket Burnham wore during his famous October 2020 speech against the Westminster-imposed Covid lockdown now sits in a museum vitrine next to Michael Foot's donkey jacket. This jacket, along with his North Face cagoules and Howick jacket, reinforces his image as a man of the people.
Conclusion: The Tie Dilemma
If Burnham becomes prime minister, he will likely reluctantly but comfortably put on the proverbial tie. His ability to reflect his constituents while harboring a pinch of vanity has served him well. As Ferrier concludes, 'Burnham will not go down in history as the first man to weaponise a T-shirt – that would be Volodymyr Zelenskyy – but he will be the first to reluctantly but comfortably put on the proverbial tie – if and when the time comes.'
