Andy Burnham's carefully cultivated 'King in the North' image is facing a stern reality check as his political record comes under intense scrutiny. The Greater Manchester Mayor, often touted as a future Labour leader, is being accused of rewriting history to bolster his regional champion persona.
The Westminster Record: A Different Story
Critics are quick to point to Burnham's tenure in Whitehall, a period they claim starkly contrasts with his current rhetoric. During his time as a minister under Gordon Brown, he was reportedly a staunch defender of the centralised status quo. One government source didn't mince words, stating, "He was a very, very poor minister and he was an arch-Whitehallizer. He was completely in the pocket of the Treasury and the Department of Health. He was the opposite of a devolutionist."
This challenges the very foundation of Burnham's current political brand, which is built on fighting for greater powers and funding for the North of England.
The 'Messiah Complex' Under Fire
The backlash intensified following a profile that painted Burnham in a messianic light, a portrayal that has raised eyebrows even within his own party. The notion of the Mayor as a singular saviour for the region is being dismissed as a dangerous oversimplification of a complex political landscape.
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, publicly critiqued this narrative. While acknowledging Burnham's political prowess, Gove emphasised that effective governance is a collective effort, not a one-man show. He argued that real progress hinges on collaboration between local and national government, rather than relying on a solitary figurehead.
Elections Loom as a Crucial Test
This brewing political storm arrives at a critical juncture. With local elections on the horizon, the pressure is on for Burnham to demonstrate that his leadership translates into tangible results for Greater Manchester. The elections will serve as a vital referendum on his administration's performance and his ability to navigate the intricate relationship with Westminster.
The debate raises a pivotal question for voters: is Andy Burnham a genuine force for devolution and northern empowerment, or is his 'King in the North' title merely a clever piece of political theatre designed to obscure a less impressive past?
