For people in Ashton, a thumping by-election has got them excited about the prospect of seeing the bloke they see down the shops heading to the most famous address in the country.
Local Pride in Burnham's Victory
Les Molyneux was delighted to see Andy Burnham win the Makerfield seat. Louise Bridge has lived in Ashton-in-Makerfield her entire life. It's a place she cares deeply about, and today she is walking along her local high street with a spring in her step.
"He did really well last night," says Louise, who is stepping out with her friend Maureen the day after Andy Burnham secured a stunning victory in the by-election for the Makerfield constituency that covers this proud northern town.
"We have lived in Ashton all our lives, so we know him and his family," adds Louise. "He's part and parcel of this place, he's always about."
It's testimony like this that has put paid to the main attack line on Burnham - that he doesn't care about the people of Makerfield and is simply using them as a springboard towards Downing Street. While he has been clear about his leadership aspirations, the stonking 55% vote share he achieved last night shows enough people here believe he wants to take them with him.
Louise said the excitement of Burnham's 9,000 vote majority win was exciting news for her whole family.
She said: "My husband only came to bed at 3.30am after he knew Andy had won. My daughter is in America and was watching it live on YouTube. They were all Whatsapping each other and were really happy that he won."
As for his plans to seize the leadership of both the Labour Party and the government, Louise and Maureen are fully on board.
"I would love that, it would be great," says Maureen, beaming.
"A Prime Minister from around here?" adds Louise, "we would be so proud. I think he will bring people together."
Support from Long-Time Residents
Further in to the town centre of Ashton, 79-year-old Les Molyneux is equally chuffed about the previous night's historic result.
"It went better than I had expected," says Les with a smile. "I thought it would be much closer with Reform."
Asked why he rates the soon-to-be ex Mayor of Greater Manchester, the answer is simple for Les: "He gets things done."
He adds: "He was good when he was MP for Leigh but when he went to be Greater Manchester Mayor, he's done all kinds of things for people. He delivers.
"I'm thinking he will be Prime Minister. I would be proud to have a local lad as PM."
Warnings and Hopes
While plenty of people here in Ashton are excited about the prospect of a bloke who grew up 20 minutes down the road in Culcheth as the most powerful man in the country, others sound a warning that the new MP for Makerfield cannot forget the promises he has made to this place.
Taking a break from tending to his front garden, lifelong Labour voter John says he was pleased to see Burnham win the vote, but insists he can't leave local people behind.
"I think he's got to do his bit around here first. We don't want to just be a stepping stone. If he doesn't do anything around here then next time I think Reform will get in."
"He does get things done and I do like some of his policies," he adds, before getting back to the important work of pruning his rose bush.
And then there are those that simply want to see the back of the current incumbent in Number 10. David Andrews has been enjoying a lunchtime pint at the Golden Lion in Ashton town centre.
"I don't know loads about Andy Burnham," he admits, "but this is about getting rid of Keir Starmer. He's not good enough to be Prime Minister.
"If Andy Burnham is the quickest route to getting him out then I'm ok with that. He's done ok in Manchester with the buses and stuff."
The Man of the Moment
A 10-minute drive away and the man of the moment is soaking up the adulation of his supporters at The Bartons Group Stadium, home to North West Counties Division One side Ashton Town FC.
After receiving a hero's welcome, the Everton fan reminds the gathered crowd that he recently bagged a brace during a run-out for the club. But it is his performance from the night before that has everyone here buzzing.
Introduced by his two campaign managers, northern Labour MPs Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgley, the former makes it clear what a difficult task it was to win this election, let alone win it so handsomely.
"When Andy said he wanted to contest this seat, we said really?" says Ms Haigh, before pointing out that just six weeks ago, Reform UK stormed to a dominant victory in the local Wigan Council results here and emphasising what a historic achievement it has been to turn those sort of numbers around in such a short time.
For Burnham himself, the message is clear - politics hasn't worked for places like this for too long and things need to be different.
"This is our last chance to change but we are going to take it," Burnham states defiantly in front of those he has infused with new hope.
Now he has to show he can be the one to lead that change.
