Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, arrived at Westminster on Monday, greeted by a mob of Labour MPs. His arrival marks a significant shift in UK politics as he is widely seen as the prime minister-in-waiting. Even Donald Trump has taken notice, though the US president struggled to remember Burnham's name, referring to him as "Andy Whateverhisnamewas" and calling him "extremely liberal."
Trump's Remarks and the 'Not-So-Special Relationship'
On Sunday, Trump prematurely announced Keir Starmer's resignation, long before the prime minister had done so himself. By Wednesday night, Trump was grappling with the new Labour figurehead. He described Burnham as "extremely liberal" and noted that he had once been mayor of "a town," though he could not recall Manchester. Trump also claimed the UK "was dying." This comes as Trump continues to criticize London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whom he called a "bad person" and "grossly incompetent" on Wednesday.
Badenoch's Insult and Burnham's Witty Retort
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed Burnham at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, calling him a "pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt." Burnham responded with a five-second social media post, showing a coy look at his T-shirt and a flutter of his eyelashes, saying, "It's dark blue actually." The self-deprecating reply was widely seen as devastating and a wake-up call for Badenoch to up her game.
Burnham's Low Profile and Cabinet Selection
Despite his dramatic arrival, Burnham has kept a low profile to allow Starmer's final weeks to proceed with decorum. He now faces the task of selecting a cabinet and defining his agenda. Initially expecting a leadership contest, he finds all opponents have melted away. By Thursday, he had retreated to his constituency for peace.
Fallout for the Old Guard
Regime change has left ministers scrambling to prove their relevance. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been attempting to sever ties with Starmer, with business allies bigging her up to Burnham's team. On BBC Breakfast, she could not explain missing Starmer's resignation speech. Later, at a British Chamber of Commerce conference, she appeared miserable, discussing her achievements in what felt like an exit interview. She insisted she and Burnham were committed to fiscal rules, but it was clear her time as chancellor may be ending.
Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones, who had hinted at a leadership challenge, announced he had spoken to Burnham and been persuaded the economy was safe. At Cabinet Office questions, he said he might not be in his job long and planned to enjoy the summer.
Junior armed forces minister Al Carns, an MP for less than two years, posted five questions for Burnham to answer in exchange for his support. However, his demands were largely ignored, and he may be offered a junior role at Defra.
