Sir Tony Blair has issued a stark warning to Andy Burnham, telling the incoming prime minister that he is not "going to be loved" just days before Burnham enters 10 Downing Street. The former Labour premier offered the advice at the Tony Blair Institute's summer drinks reception at the National Theatre in London.
Blair's advice to the PM-in-waiting
Speaking to attendees, Blair was asked what he would have said to himself in 1997 when he first won power. He replied: “I think you may think you're going to be loved, but you're not going to be.” The comment comes as Burnham prepares to take over from Sir Keir Starmer on Monday after being the only candidate in the Labour leadership race.
Sir Tony, who served as prime minister from 1997 to 2007, added: “Andy's got a very sure political touch. He's a genuinely people person. You know, he's interested in people. I mean, it's one of the things that distinguishes politicians, I think over time, when you get to know them, is that all politicians have got to pretend to be interested in people. But you know, you do come across politicians that love humanity in general.”
Burnham avoids scrutiny ahead of coronation
The Makerfield MP has largely dodged scrutiny since returning to Parliament with his victory in the Makerfield by-election. He has avoided questions from the media and will not face MPs before the summer recess.
According to the latest Opinium poll, Burnham has a net approval rating of minus 8. He is less popular than Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who has a score of minus 3, but beats Sir Keir Starmer, who sits at minus 45.
