Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has issued a direct challenge to incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to maintain his connection with the region despite his new role. Burnham was formally confirmed as Labour Party leader at a special conference in London earlier today, paving the way for him to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday.
Burnham's Overwhelming Support
Burnham, the MP for Makerfield, has secured the backing of more than 90% of Labour MPs, making his ascent a formality. He will meet King Charles at the start of next week to seek permission to form a government before entering Downing Street.
Rotheram's Challenge
Speaking at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority meeting this afternoon, Rotheram – who left Westminster alongside Burnham nine years ago – expressed disappointment at not being in London to support his friend. "I've had the privilege of working alongside him both as a colleague and also as a friend and I've seen first hand his commitment to public service," Rotheram said.
He added: "I'd like to remind him that becoming Prime Minister doesn't stop him from continuing to visit this wonderful city region of ours."
Devolution's Milestone
Rotheram noted that Burnham's journey from Metro Mayor to Prime Minister highlights the progress and potential of devolution. "It's a powerful reminder that leadership, talent and ambition don't begin and end in Westminster," he said, recalling that some initially viewed combined authority leaders as a "gimmick" or experiment.
