Andy Burnham is dominating the public conversation with a readiness to apologise for Britain's historical role in slavery, a stance that sets him apart from predecessors and rivals alike. His approach, described as a breath of fresh air in Downing Street, contrasts sharply with the more cautious style of Keir Starmer.
A New Political Voice
Burnham's willingness to speak his mind on issues both large and small has denied oxygen to Nigel Farage, who previously dominated headlines for 18 months. The Reform UK leader has been out-chatted by a rival seen as holding good, decent values.
The strategy echoes that of Donald Trump, but with politics, philosophy and policies that are the opposite of the morally corrupt approach associated with the former US president.
Risks and Rewards
The answer-any-question, reveal-what's-on-his-mind approach is not without risks. Burnham previously had to correct his response to Abu Dhabi City's £900m Premier League controversy.
Europe remains a complex issue, yet Burnham has been praised for navigating it carefully, with trade, travel, financial and security benefits on the other side.
Modern Media Savvy
Burnham's style suits a social media age with a 60/60 news cycle, a world away from the slower 24/7 days of the past. Starmer, by contrast, appeared uncomfortable talking about feelings or going off script.
Farage's appeal was seen as a carefully choreographed man-of-the-people act, complaining pint in hand about what can't be said, while his natural haunts are Mayfair private clubs with wealthy high-rollers.
Burnham recognises that Labour attracts around 30% of the votes, fewer than one in three, and he is expected to remain Prime Minister after the next election. Reparations are impossible to calculate and a separate issue, but saying sorry about slavery would be the right thing to do, underlining his values. Whether agreed with or not, Burnham cannot be ignored.
