US President Donald Trump congratulated new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on his first day in office, calling their conversation “very good” and discussing topics including North Sea oil, trade, and the military alliance. Trump posted on Truth Social: “The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the USA will be there to help!”
According to reports, Burnham has invited Trump to Manchester. A lighthearted plan for Trump’s visit includes a “cheeky Nando’s” at the Trafford Centre, a trip to Afflecks for vinyl and taxidermy, and a charity DJ battle at Victoria Warehouse.
Burnham Faces Early Criticism
Burnham’s first policy—cutting £850 million in VAT on electricity bills, saving households around £45 per year—was questioned by former ally Darren Jones. Jones noted the digital ID project being scrapped to fund the cut was “unfunded.” Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisted the £1.8 billion for digital ID had been “scored” by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Burnham joked to the new Cabinet: “Can I just say, I expect this every meeting.” Meanwhile, Nigel Farage called for a general election.
Londoners Skeptical of Northern PM
Local democracy reporter George Lythgoe spoke to Londoners about Burnham’s popularity. Wine merchant Andrew Hawes said: “I think generally people are worried he might ignore London and the city. There is a lot of unknown.” Marion Ross, walking with husband James, said: “This guy has come from up north, he’s been put in and we don’t know what he stands for or what his manifesto is. Everyone I talk to in London feels the same on this. I think our country is going down the toilet. We thought Elvis had come back to the building because he was waved in like a celebrity.”
Burnham is one of few prime ministers from the North, joining Sir Robert Peel, David Lloyd-George, and Harold Wilson.
North-South Divide Denied
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, when asked about a new North-South divide, said: “No, there isn’t. I don’t want to get touchy about it, but I can’t remember previous occasions where people have objected to too many people from a different part of the country being in there.”
The Cabinet includes four Greater Manchester MPs: Angela Rayner, Lucy Powell, Lisa Nandy, and Reynolds. Others from the North include John Healey, Bridget Phillipson, Louise Haigh, Dame Angela Eagle, and Ed Miliband.
Rough Sleeping Pledge
Burnham reiterated his promise to end rough sleeping, saying in a written statement: “For too long, we've been told that ending rough sleeping will take decades or even that it's impossible. I'm not having that. This is something a government can fix if it chooses to. Today, I'm choosing to. On my first day as Prime Minister, I'm announcing this Government's commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity.”
University Email Error
Manchester Metropolitan University sent an erroneous email telling students they had failed their degree days before graduation. The university corrected the mistake around 20 minutes later and apologised.
Weather and Roads
Wednesday: Sunny intervals, 25C. Road closures include A671 Rochdale Road northbound and A58 Gerard Street westbound until dates in 2026.
