Prime Minister Andy Burnham is often praised as a great communicator, but as Tory leader Kemi Badenoch noted this week, he frequently makes statements that require clarification. His recent podcast claim that Russia interfered with the 2016 EU Referendum was withdrawn a day later after MI5 dismissed the allegation, with Burnham admitting he had no evidence.
Similarly, during a TV interview, he appeared to make light of the financial scandal at Manchester City, only to change his position after public outcry from football fans and MPs.
Contradictions on Europe
Leo McKinstry argues the problem goes beyond verbal awkwardness, suggesting Burnham has few real convictions beyond wanting to appear as a good bloke. The greatest contradiction lies in Britain's relationship with the European Union.
Burnham says he wants closer ties with the EU, hoping the country will eventually rejoin. McKinstry questions how this aligns with his talk of devolution and handing power back to the people, arguing that rejoining would undermine the democratic Brexit result and the UK's sovereignty.
Box office flop and French protests
The Princess of Wales attended the Leicester Square premiere of Tom Cruise's new film Digger, but the movie is on course to lose £185 million, according to estimates, after dismal ticket sales and poor reviews. McKinstry suggests cinema-goers may be put off by the film's theme of eco-doom, especially at a time of soaring energy bills.
Meanwhile, McKinstry questions whether France is producing a generation of actuaries and accountants specialising in local government finance, noting that BBC reports on French protests described demonstrators wanting "more investment" in schools, but he may have missed mention of "fiscal expansion".
Football finances
McKinstry recalls footballer Len Shackleton's 1956 autobiography, which included a chapter titled "The Average Director's Knowledge of Football" consisting of a single blank page. He suggests the calibre of football directors has not improved, citing a report from the Independent Football Regulator stating that 94% of league clubs are making losses.
The regulator says English football is on the brink of financial disaster, despite generating over £9 billion a year in revenue.
