Andy Burnham has hit the ground running with diplomatic relations on his first day as Prime Minister, chatting the World Cup and the situation in Iran with President Trump via phone this afternoon (July 20).
The former Greater Manchester mayor spoke to the US president 'shortly after' taking office this afternoon, in what is believed to have been his first call to a foreign leader in his new post.
World Cup and Manchester's Offer
Downing Street said the PM began by 'congratulating the President on a successful World Cup' and apparently agreed with him that England had an 'excellent tournament'. The PM also hoped that he would be able to show the President 'what Manchester had to offer' during a visit in the future, which the Times reported is understood to be a reference to next year's G20 summit tipped to take place in Manchester.
Vision for Premiership
Burnham then 'set out his vision' for his premiership, which would focus on 'ensuring reindustrialisation' and 'good growth in every postcode'. He also 'underlined his commitment' to defence and security, reportedly telling Trump that the security of the UK and its allies was 'top of his agenda'.
Hormuz Strait and Global Supply Chains
Lastly, they exchanged details on the situation in the Middle East, with Burnham 'outlining the UK's commitment' to securing the free movement of shipping in the Hormuz Strait 'to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country'.
"They looked forward to speaking again soon," the press release finished.
The US president was previously asked what he knew about Mr Burnham, to which he responded: "I think I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a town... I hear he's extremely liberal, extremely."
Burnham told Gary Lineker's Goalhanger podcast last week that he plans to 'meet [Trump] where he's at'.
It will be just the start of Andy Burnham's relationship building with foreign leaders, with his appointment today met with congratulations from Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian PM Mark Carney, the Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
