Comedian Russell Kane has ruthlessly mocked Andy Burnham with impressions online that viewers say are 'absolutely nailing it'. The satirical videos target the 56-year-old would-be Labour leader and Prime Minister, who has cultivated a Northern honest man-of-the-people persona.
Kane's Satirical Take on Burnham's Persona
In his latest video, Kane, as 'Andy', starts by stating he is just jumping on the 'b****y internet' to respond to 'all kinds of accusations' that he has 'nipped down to London just because Keir Starmer's resigned'. Sporting Mr Burnham's trademark black T-shirt and blazer, Kane chortles: 'Couldn't be further from the flippin (sic) truth.'
Pretending to be the new MP for Makersfield, Kane adds that he is not interested in getting into Number 10 and is more focused on 'the disability lift at Platt Bridge', a suburb within his new constituency. In reality, Mr Burnham headed to London by train from Manchester Piccadilly to be sworn in as MP for Makersfield after Sir Keir Starmer resigned on Monday morning.
Details of the Viral Impression
Kane continues: 'I'm not going to lie, I had a Tesco meal deal on the way down (to London) because you get the free drink, and that's what I'm like.' He further hams up his sketch by describing a conversation on the train with an 'old lady called Doris'. He explains: 'She said "Andy, why are you going down to London?", and I said, "Doris, I'm not, I'm here to represent the north, I am staying, I have to go down to the b****y smoke to get myself sworn it... put your mind at rest, Andy's going nowhere."' He adds that his constituents 'need more gravy of course'.
Sudden Tone Shift in the Video
The video suddenly changes tone as Kane takes on a Jekyll and Hyde-like change and makes an aggressive speech towards the camera. He growls he is going down to London 'just to see what Keir Starmer's seat feels like when I seize power from him with my army'. He rants: 'I will unleash the kraken of Angela Rayner onto the b**ls of anyone who messes with me.' Snapping back into character, Kane says he will be getting the train straight back up north to Makersfield for a meeting about 'using the unused town hall in Bryn for a karate centre for disabled and blind children, so they can do northern karatee (sic).'
Previous Impressions and Public Reaction
Kane has posted a number of Andy Burnham impressions in recent weeks, including a video where he told everyone how 'normal' he was while making some tea and having some toast. He also said he enjoyed 'Coco-Pops with gravy' for breakfast. The impressions have gone viral on X, with many commenting on how the comedian has captured Mr Burnham's character. Campaigner and political commentator James Melville wrote: 'Here’s Russell Kane absolutely nailing his impersonation of Andy Burnham.' Another person added earnestly: 'Keep it going Russell and well done.' Someone else asked where they could 'sign up to northern karate' and another commentator continued the martial arts theme, requesting: 'Please expand on Northern Karate because it sounds ace.' One person made a tongue-in-cheek observation: 'I'm finally reassured. What a solid, working class, honest lad he (Burnham) is.'
