Donald Trump has taken aim at Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and likely next prime minister, calling him 'extremely liberal' and dismissing his role as mayor of Manchester. In a series of comments, the US president also declared the UK 'was dying,' suggesting a strained relationship ahead.
Trump's Dismissal of Burnham
Trump, who earlier this week mistakenly announced Keir Starmer's resignation, said he had heard of Burnham only vaguely. 'All he knew was that he was extremely liberal,' the sketch reports, a term Trump uses to deride opponents. Trump also compared Burnham unfavorably to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whom he called 'a bad person' and 'grossly incompetent.'
Badenoch's Insult Backfires
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had dismissed Burnham as 'a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt' during Prime Minister's Questions. Burnham responded with a five-second social media post showing his T-shirt and fluttering his eyelashes, saying 'It's dark blue actually.' The self-deprecating reply was widely seen as devastating and a wake-up call for Badenoch.
Burnham Keeps Low Profile
Despite his dramatic arrival in Westminster, where he was mobbed by Labour MPs, Burnham has kept a low profile, partly out of respect for outgoing PM Starmer. He is now focused on forming a cabinet, with all potential leadership rivals having stepped aside. 'Instead of rivals, he only finds garlands in his way,' the sketch notes.
Reeves Fights for Job
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, seen as a Starmer ally, is fighting to retain her position. She has been calling Burnham's allies to tout her credentials and appeared on BBC Breakfast unable to explain how she missed Starmer's resignation speech. At a British Chamber of Commerce conference, she appeared 'miserable throughout,' hinting she expects to lose her job. 'She was committed to the fiscal rules and so was Andy,' she mumbled, but the sketch suggests her exit may come as a relief.
Other Ministers Jockey
Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones, who had hinted at a leadership challenge, announced he would not contest after speaking to Burnham. At Cabinet Office questions, he said he might not be in his role long and would leave answers to his successor. Junior armed forces minister Al Carns posted five questions for Burnham to answer if he wanted support, but the sketch dismisses this as irrelevant: 'I've news for you, Al. No one cares.'
