Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's tearful resignation just 72 hours after Labour's victory in the North West. Starmer is expected to leave Downing Street later this month after only two years in office. Burnham, who served as Mayor of Greater Manchester for nearly a decade, returned to Westminster on June 19th after a landslide by-election win, winning the seat of Makerfield. Now, he is widely expected to take the keys to No. 10.
What Andy Burnham Is Really Like
Bethany Whittingham, Senior Showbiz Reporter, interviewed Burnham in April at the BRIT Awards, which moved to Manchester for the first time since 1977. She described him as charismatic, confident, and deeply proud of Manchester. When asked what he loved most about the city, he replied: 'I think the BRITs coming up north is a reflection of how far the city has come and that this is actually happening because we've got loads of infrastructure, hotels, everything. It's a big sign that Manchester is massively right up there now. I personally feel that music started the revival of Manchester because I was growing up here in the '80s in my teenage years, and in the decades since, it's been amazing to see the city thrive. But we're not finished yet by any means.'
Accomplishments and Challenges as Mayor
Burnham highlighted his achievements, including reorganising the public transport system into the Bee Network and campaigning for more furlough funding for Northern communities during the Covid pandemic. He was open about his failures and struggles, maintaining a down-to-earth demeanour. When asked about his rumoured ambitions for No. 10, he dodged the question, admitting it was 'a politician's answer.' He chuckled: 'Doesn't it show that I love being the Mayor of Greater Manchester? I think it does, I hope it does. Honestly, I've loved it; it's been almost 10 years since I've been doing this job now, and it's been a bit like coming home for me. I was in Westminster for a long time. I tried my best there, but I've always been at home here. And when you feel at home, you give your best, don't you?'
Charisma and Party Unity
Whittingham noted that Burnham's charisma could silence a room, and he stood firm on his boundaries. After his by-election win, he returned to Westminster and took a selfie with fellow MPs, uniting the party before even entering No. 10. This contrasted with Starmer, who faced criticism from his own MPs during his two-year tenure. Whittingham expressed hope that Burnham could restore faith in the Labour Party, citing his confidence, charisma, and ambition. She concluded: 'To those doubting the politician before he has even set foot in No. 10, I say one thing: Give him a chance. He has done wonders for Manchester and shows promise with his plans for the UK should he land the top job.'
