Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has sparked debate by revealing his controversial tea-making preference: milk first. In a TikTok video published on Thursday, Burnham addressed quickfire questions, stating, 'I don’t know why. I just have a feeling that it softens the teabag a bit and makes it stronger. Might be wrong. I know that will offend a lot of people, but there’ll be no legislation to ban that.'
Burnham's Stance on Christmas Dinner and Queuing
Burnham also weighed in on other cultural issues. Regarding Yorkshire pudding with Christmas turkey, he said, 'Where has this come from? It should not be done. And, in fact, if I ever get a position of power to do something, I will pass legislation to ban it.' He expressed strong opposition to single-file queuing at bars, urging, 'Stop it immediately.'
Public Transport Etiquette and Other Pet Peeves
The new PM criticized playing voice notes or music on public transport, calling it 'antisocial behaviour' and stating he is 'very strongly against' it. On socks with sandals, he admitted, 'I have been known to wear my Birkenstocks with socks. I’m not sure I should be admitting that.' He also opposes clapping when a plane lands and using phones at gigs, and believes football fans leaving before the final whistle is unacceptable.
Public Engagement and Future Plans
On Wednesday, Burnham took questions from the public in Cardiff, with the session edited to two and a half minutes and posted on X. Asked about the soundtrack to his first 100 days, he chose 'One Day Like This' by Elbow, praising singer Guy Garvey as 'absolutely wonderful.' Burnham was formally announced as Labour leader on Friday, with more details on his government plan expected next week.
