Jeremy Clarkson has delivered a brutal one-word verdict on Andy Burnham just hours after the Labour MP delivered his first major speech outlining his government plans. The Clarkson's Farm star, 66, took to X to respond to a user who asked: 'Do you think Andy Burnham will be worse than Starmer?' Clarkson replied simply: 'Yes'.
Burnham's Speech and Swift Exit
Burnham, widely seen as Sir Keir Starmer's likely successor, set out his vision for the economy and devolution during a keynote address in Manchester on Monday (June 29). However, immediately after finishing his speech, he made a swift exit through the back of the building, declining to take questions from the media. This abrupt departure quickly drew backlash from the public, and Clarkson's comment added fuel to the fire.
Public Reaction and Support
Clarkson's post sparked a flurry of responses from fans. One user wrote: 'I'm absolutely sure he will be worse. The evidence keeps building.' Another agreed: 'Agree. I think we should have a general election so the people can decide who is the next PM. Not the same old same old...' A third chimed in: 'He already is, and he's not got the job yet.'
However, not all comments were supportive. Some urged Clarkson to be more constructive. One user fumed: 'How's about suggesting some stuff to help rather than just moaning. Or become an MP and do something.' Another added: 'Like you could do better. I would like to see that given your old catchphrase was, "How hard can it be?"'
Clarkson's Longstanding Dislike for Burnham
Clarkson's animosity toward the former Mayor of Manchester is nothing new. In May, the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host defended the Green Party candidate standing against Burnham in the Makerfield by-election. In his weekly column for The Times, Clarkson admitted he initially thought Green candidate Sarah Wakefield was a 'loony left' figure, but after researching her background—as an executive director of food charity Eating Better, with previous roles at WWF and the Co-op—he changed his mind.
He wrote: 'At least the girl's been out there. She's got up in a morning, got dressed and put in a shift. I'd rather vote for someone like that than someone who spent their early life getting pregnant and the next few years in a pointless quango.'
Criticism of the By-Election
Clarkson reserved his strongest criticism for the Labour MP, particularly over the circumstances of the by-election, which was triggered by a Labour MP giving up his seat. Clarkson fumed: 'There's no dignity in that.' This latest one-word jab continues a pattern of public clashes between the TV personality and the politician.
