The author first encountered Andy Burnham during the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, two days after giving birth to her second son. Watching the Anfield memorial service from a hospital bed, she initially felt anger that a politician was speaking at such a solemn event. When the crowd on the Kop chanted "Justice" during his speech, she felt empowered and elated by the disruption.
However, she then saw sincerity in Burnham's eyes, turning her disgust into empathy. Her respect grew when the Hillsborough Independent Panel was established and concluded its work, earning her trust. Over the years, they became friends.
Qualities and Collaboration
Burnham possesses many qualities: kindness, unassuming nature, understanding, approachability, loyalty, and empathy. The quality the author admires most is his remarkable calmness. When he asked her to join the launch of "Hillsborough Law Now," she immediately agreed.
During negotiations for the Public Office Accountability Bill, she often felt out of her depth and anxious. Burnham consistently took time to explain the process and never wavered in his hope for success, promising, "We will get there Charl, one way or another. I promise you that."
Understanding Trauma and Commitment
Hillsborough Law Now comprises campaigners from various injustices. Burnham understands the trauma within these groups, driven by a genuine desire to right wrongs. He has never made a commitment he couldn't fulfill, being honest about areas outside his remit and explaining why.
At Keir Starmer's final speech on the Public Office Accountability Bill in the House of Commons, the author was already emotional. Seeing Burnham's smiling face among MPs made her cry. Watching his speech on the Bill was one of the proudest moments of her life, as the original Parliamentary Lead saw the Bill through its final steps.
Prime Minister and Personal Notes
The author finds it surreal to watch her friend become Prime Minister, but he has taken it in stride. Cool, calm Andy. However, his football banter consists of "typical bluenose nonsense," and he is thrilled to be the first Evertonian Prime Minister.
She enjoyed watching him become Leader of the Labour Party on TV last Friday and has amusingly changed his name in her phone to "Prime Minister Bluenose." On a serious note, she is excited for the political future and wishes Burnham and his family success, confident he will make everyone proud.
