Incoming Labour prime minister Andy Burnham has revealed his controversial tea-making method in a TikTok video, stating he puts milk in the cup before the tea. “I don’t know why. I just have a feeling that it softens the teabag a bit and makes it stronger,” he said. “Might be wrong. I know that will offend a lot of people, but there’ll be no legislation to ban that.”
Quickfire questions on TikTok
Burnham, who was formally announced as Labour leader on Friday, published the video on Thursday as a rare glimpse into his personal preferences. He also addressed other divisive topics, including Christmas dinner components. On Yorkshire pudding with 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.”
Stance on social etiquette
The new prime minister expressed strong views on queuing at bars, saying he is “vehemently against” single-file queuing. “Stop it immediately,” he said. He also condemned playing voice notes or music on public transport out loud, calling it “antisocial behaviour” and stating he is “very strongly against” it. On socks and sandals, Burnham admitted, “I have been known to wear my Birkenstocks with socks. I’m not sure I should be admitting that.” He is, however, “strong against” clapping when a plane lands and using phones at gigs.
Football fans and future plans
Burnham also criticised football fans who leave the ground before the final whistle, suggesting his government will not allow this to continue. On Wednesday, he took questions from the public in Cardiff, with the hour-long 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 frontman Guy Garvey as “absolutely wonderful.”
