Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing fresh online ridicule after a viral video likened his public mannerisms to David Brent, the cringeworthy boss from Ricky Gervais's The Office. The 55-second TikTok clip, widely shared on X by GB News presenter Will Kingston on Sunday, juxtaposes footage of Mr Burnham with classic Brent scenes. It opens with Mr Burnham looking down awkwardly at a podium, glasses perched on his nose, before cutting to Brent's similar expressions. Subsequent edits show Mr Burnham smiling earnestly in a car and outdoors, intercut with Brent delivering lines with exaggerated facial expressions, playing guitar awkwardly in an office setting, and striking self-satisfied poses. At one point, the video intercuts Mr Burnham naming areas in his Makerfield constituency with Brent talking about areas near Slough.
Social Media Reaction
Mr Kingston captioned the post: “This will stick. Andy Burnham is the David Brent of politics.” The video has drawn thousands of likes, reposts and quotes, with users piling on memes comparing the pair’s mannerisms. One reply added a mocked-up image labelling Mr Burnham as “Andrew Murray David Brent-Burnham”. The mockery comes as Sir Keir Starmer is expected to make a farewell address outside No 10 before heading to Buckingham Palace to formally resign. Mr Burnham will then meet the King to “kiss hands” and be appointed PM, before himself delivering his first speech from Downing Street.
Transition of Power
In that address, Mr Burnham is set to promise “breathing room” against the rising cost of living and urge the country to confront its challenges with “reflection and resolution”. Mr Burnham will highlight his “acute consciousness” of the UK having had seven prime ministers in the last decade, pledging more stable politics and restored faith in government. Allies say Mr Burnham will stress that stability must bring “tangible” improvements. Before the speech, police have banned amplified music outside Downing Street to prevent protester interruptions, unlike during Sir Keir's resignation announcement.
Cabinet Appointments and Policy Plans
After speaking, Mr Burnham is expected to name his cabinet. Mr Burnham has been considering Energy Secretary Ed Miliband or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for chancellor. The rapid transition follows Mr Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election just over a month ago, returning him to Westminster without a full leadership contest. Mr Burnham has prioritised devolving power from Westminster, including plans for a “No 10 North” in Manchester, which he is expected to visit later this week. Mr Burnham has announced the scrapping of Sir Keir's flagship digital ID programme to refocus on the cost of living.
Early Policy Priorities
In a recent interview with The Times, Mr Burnham emphasised making people “feel better” and addressed complaints about frozen tax thresholds. Reports suggest early policies could include support on energy bills, potentially allowing more North Sea oil and gas drilling — a move opposed by environmental campaigners citing Labour's 2024 manifesto. Other priorities include possible temporary nationalisation of debt-laden Thames Water and social care reform. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have both urged co-operation on key issues, with Ms Badenoch criticising Mr Burnham for entering office without a detailed plan or sufficient scrutiny.
The Brent video adds to a string of “embarrassing dad” moments that have dogged Mr Burnham's image, even as he prepares to lead the country.
