The Lottery Winners' singer Thom Rylance has said Andy Burnham's love of music is genuine, describing the Prime Minister as a passionate supporter of the music scene.
Speaking at the Tramlines Festival in Sheffield on Sunday, Rylance highlighted Burnham's 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England as evidence of his commitment.
"I think our mate Andy, he lived around the corner from me, it's madness, he cares about music," Rylance told the Press Association. "We've had funding from the Andy Burnham Greater Manchester Fund in the past to go over to America, and he really cares about music."
Personal connection and unreturned texts
Rylance said he has had great chats with Burnham about their shared music tastes. "He loves the same bands that I love, and he talks passionately about it. It's not fake with him and he's always been supportive of us."
However, since Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday, Rylance has not received a reply to his congratulatory message. "He's not text me back since he's been Prime Minister. I did text him saying, 'well done, mate', and he did leave me on read," he joked, adding that he was "going Tory" as a result.
Bass player Katie Lloyd revealed the band had previously been given a tour of Parliament by Burnham.
Hopes for change
Rylance expressed optimism about Burnham's leadership. "I think no matter where you sit on the political spectrum, we can all agree that this country needs some changes. And I'm hoping… he seems to be doing the right things so far, because I know him personally, I know that his heart's in the right place, and I really think that he's going to do a great job."
Burnham's musical credentials
Burnham took on the role of Prime Minister on Monday and has frequently shown his love for indie rock. In a social media post last week, he pointed out a gold disc of The Smiths' album "The Queen Is Dead" on the wall of his No 10 North office, remarking: "I need to return that to Johnny Marr actually."
His office also displays a Brit Awards poster from last year's ceremony held in Manchester.
About The Lottery Winners
Formed in 2008, the band has achieved two UK number one studio albums: "Anxiety Replacement Theory" and "Koko." They have collaborated with artists including Boy George, Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays, and US rock band Nickelback.
