Jeremy Clarkson has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Andy Burnham, branding him the "most small-minded and timid leader we've ever had" in his latest column for The Sunday Times.
The former Top Gear presenter, 66, made the comments while reflecting on explorers and adventurers who have pushed themselves to extraordinary extremes throughout history. He pointed to figures such as Neil Armstrong, Chuck Yeager and the Wright brothers, arguing that their willingness to take risks helped humanity progress.
Call for new pioneers
The Grand Tour star suggested that the next generation of pioneers should focus on problems that could determine humanity's future, including artificial intelligence or the prospect of humans living on Mars or the bottom of the ocean.
It was while making this wider point about ambition that Clarkson turned his attention to Burnham.
"Ordinarily, when we get a new Prime Minister, he is full of gusto and drive and ambition," Clarkson wrote, before arguing a new leader would want to focus on tackling major international problems.
Attack on technical education focus
However, he claimed Burnham took a different approach, referencing the prime minister's focus on technical education.
The Clarkson's Farm star highlighted Burnham's reported desire to "give every young person a hard hat" before delivering his scathing verdict.
"He's the most small-minded and timid leader we've ever had," Clarkson wrote.
He concluded by joking that if Burnham had been in charge during humanity's earliest days of exploration, "we'd all still be in there. Safe, but bored to tears".
Burnham's education plans
In July, Burnham announced a major change to schooling in the UK, confirming that when teenagers hit Year 10, they can take on a technical education alongside their core academic subjects.
He said he wants there to be "no dead ends" for young people coming out of education, and for technical pathways to be put on an equal footing with traditional academic routes. The technical pathways, which will pair skills training with work experience and connections with local employers, are set to be rolled out from September 2028.
