Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, is facing criticism for allegedly prioritising Manchester over the rest of the United Kingdom. Political Correspondent Aaron Newbury argues that Burnham is acting like a "glorified mayor pretending to be Prime Minister" and failing to address issues of national importance.
Focus on Manchester, Not the Nation
According to Newbury, since coming to power, Burnham has avoided discussing matters of national significance, instead concentrating on bus routes, pub snacks, and football remarks. The opinion piece suggests that this focus is not the job of a Prime Minister.
The criticism follows Burnham's conference speech, which Newbury describes as a "shopping list of costly state interventions" and a diatribe about Brexit, alongside a plan to change the voting system. Topics such as defence, immigration, and farming were reportedly absent from the speech.
Heathrow Question Dodged
The article highlights a recent instance where Burnham, when asked about Heathrow Airport, a key hub for tourism and trade, responded by commenting on why Manchester should receive an upgrade instead. Newbury argues that the Prime Minister should represent the whole country, not just one region.
The piece concludes by reminding Burnham that Britain extends beyond Manchester, with farmers in Norfolk and fishermen in Cornwall deserving attention, as well as millions in London and the South. Newbury asserts that the Prime Minister is not the Mayor of Manchester but the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
