Andy Burnham was confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party this afternoon, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer. In his first speech at a special conference at the Trades Union Congress headquarters in central London, he vowed to 'put hope in every heart' before becoming Prime Minister on Monday.
Burnham's Vision for the Country
The Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester Mayor promised to 'get the country pulling together again' and vowed to change the Labour Party. He said: 'I want people to say once again that Labour are ‘for us’. We can be that party, the party that puts more power in people’s hands, drives good growth in every postcode and puts hope in every heart.'
He also repeated his pledge to devolve power away from Westminster, giving people 'more power over life’s essentials'. He stated: 'We want to give your area more power to build the council and social homes that you desperately need for those families… more power to improve your high street, backing local businesses such as the pubs and the shops that bring them to life.'
Addressing Criticism of Manchester Focus
Burnham sought to counter criticism of being too focused on Manchester. 'Yes, the north of England has given me so much, everything, in fact,' he said. 'And in return, I have sought to give it the strongest voice I could. That was my job, but now I do the same for everywhere, because I see the same challenges everywhere I look.'
While vowing to change the Labour Party, he insisted he would 'always stay the same'. 'I know what I believe after 25 years as an elected Labour representative. I have a plan. And what I also want you to know is that I won’t change. I have a style, it’s my style, I will always stay close to the ground, close to the people.'
Nobby Stiles Inquest and Football's Responsibility
In other news, as the inquest into England’s latest World Cup exit began, a coroners court in Stockport concluded an actual inquest into Nobby Stiles, an integral part of England’s 1966 World Cup triumph. The Collyhurst-born midfielder played every minute of the victory, yet his family claim he was 'abandoned' by football despite the sport 'rolling in cash'. Stiles' health deteriorated, and his family suspected his dementia was linked to heading the ball. The morning after England's 2026 World Cup exit to Argentina, that view was vindicated.
Metrolink Upgrade Causes Travel Disruption
Metrolink is undergoing its biggest track upgrade on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Centre lines, leading to replacement bus services. Adam Maidment reported a two-hour-40-minute journey home from Hollinwood to Eccles, calling the next few weeks a 'nightmare'. No trams are running on the Eccles, Altrincham or Trafford Centre lines, and services on the Airport and East Didsbury lines terminate at Firswood.
Higher Ground Named Among World's Best Restaurants
Manchester city centre restaurant Higher Ground has been named one of the best 50 restaurants in the world by '50 Best Discovery'. The New York Street bistro, known for its seasonal menu with ingredients from its own farm in Cheshire, has impressed diners and critics since launching as a pop-up in 2020.
Weather and Travel Updates
The third heatwave of the summer is ending, with temperatures in Greater Manchester dropping to around 22°C in the coming days. For the full forecast, see Miranda Pell's report. Metrolink disruption continues as detailed above.
