To find Andy Burnham’s sudden rise to the top odd?

[GarlicBiscuits]

A few weeks ago, I’d never heard of this man. A few weeks ago, he wasn’t even an MP.

Yet suddenly, he’s everywhere and going to be our next prime minister? What qualifies him for this role? It seems that all the Labour MPs love him. Why?

The whole situation is very odd to me… I’m not sure it’ll do Labour any favors at all.

This. He’s been kicking about for years and has had a profile

None of the opposition leaders appear to know what to do or say.

I guess we're all waiting to see how it goes.

Actually it was what Badenoch said. It was a navy t-shirt.

Thanks for the discussion.

So it seems that most of Burnham’s past MP work was when Labour weren’t even in power?

🙈🙈🙈🙈

Yes. He was a journalist before moving into a research role under Tessa Jowell. He's been a member of the labour party since he was about 16 so I imagine was quite keen on a career in politics.

He's been very well known up north for many years. The first time I really took notice was when he was jeered at the Hillsborough Memorial Service. He stood up, took it and promised to fight for justice. And he delivered. I like people who do what they say they'll do.

He's been Greater Manchester Mayor for best part of a decade, and again has been consistent in delivering what he says he'll deliver.

He seems a fairly ordinary fella. I see him at the match from time to time and he's always quite sociable and friendly.

No, more than 50% of his time as an MP was whilst Labour were in government.

2001-10 Labour government
2010-17 coalition government then conservative government

Can't argue with that. Very few MPs of any party seem to be top calibre.

@SomeoneIsWrongOnTheInternet of course lots of us who live in the north know who Sadiq Khan is. He has been the mayor of our captital city since 2016 and is freqeuntly discussed in both the national and international press. It may also suprise you that many of us uneducated clog wearers have links with London and the southeast and hold valid views on his tenancy. Only a few months ago I was arguing with a colleague because my friends and family in London rated him for the positive changes he has made whilst her mate was fuming about the congestion charge and therefore everyone hated him!

He made some jokes about his shorts and decency laws this morning and his Manchester uniform as a nod to Kemi. He has some interesting ideas and is definitely funnier than Starmer. Whether he can deliver is another matter, we will have to wait and see.

It's hard to blame people for not wanting the role - very long hours, loads of abuse/death threats and ridicule, earn a fraction of what other less stressful jobs pay.

Some of the MPs we have work their arses off.

Andy Burnham has been on the political scene for years and years. His popularity in Manchester has been increasing. His takeover of the Labour Party has been being discussed for months and months. I recall listening to a discussion on Radio 4 last November on my way to the dump about Starmer and Burnham and their dislike for each other.

This hasn’t come out of nowhere at all.

At the moment, he is selling hope, better jokes and hot air. But so is SpaceX at this point and that made Musk a trillionaire, so it is the era of Emperor’s New Clothes.

Do you think he’s being backed by the Russians or China?

Rather longer than KS' ministerial experience prior to being PM or Rushi Sunak's, or indeed that of Boris Johnson or Tony Blair.

I'm glad to see there is some hope generated around him. We need some of that. Hope he turns it into success for the country.

It feels like some have already decided he's failed and want their pound of flesh though.

I do fear we're ungovernable as a country.

This is a hilariously bonkers take. Someone doesnt understand the different flavours of socialism within the Labour Party.

And that worked out so well….

Hang on, so some people have actual friends in London? That they can talk to and everything? Gosh, really? Sure they’re not lizards in disguise? You make it sound like you can actually get there in less than six months.

Regardless of your political position, it’s surprising you hadn’t heard of him. He has been a senior Mp previously, and was Secretary of State for health.

It hasn't come out of nowhere but it is why KS prevented him from standing as a candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election. If he had won there, I think they would have worked alongside each other until much nearer the GE, KS is the instrument of his own downfall. He showed very poor judgement for the umpteenth time.

Love this. Their wine is terrible but it somehow makes me like him more.

He's a career politician and a Blairite. I'm to the left generally, but can't imagine this is the answer to anyone's problems ... But there you go.

I’m not massively into politics but I feel that I have known about Burnham forever.

I must admit I'm a bit concerned about the latest announcements of major structural changes to government when he doesn't have a manifesto mandate for them. I wouldn't normally join the chorus calling for a new election but this makes me want to.