The New Statesman: politics and culture Andy Burnham: the next Prime Minister? | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Aug 21, 2025
George Eaton, a writer for the New Statesman, and Rachel Cunliffe, a UK politics commentator, unpack Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's rising star status as a potential Prime Minister. They discuss Burnham's magnetic appeal among voters and his unique position as a metro mayor. The duo also navigates the shifting dynamics within the Labour Party, pointing out the challenges facing popular leaders. Plus, the political landscape is heating up, with a potential showdown in 2029 between Burnham and Nigel Farage representing starkly different visions for Britain's future.
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Burnham's Unusually High Popularity
- Andy Burnham holds unusually high popularity among Labour members and the public compared to other senior Labour figures.
- YouGov finds him the only senior Labour figure with a positive public rating and the preferred successor to Keir Starmer.
Mayors Build Independent Political Brands
- Metro mayors can build independent, high-profile brands insulated from Westminster unpopularity.
- That platform lets figures like Andy Burnham show local achievements and distance themselves from national government mistakes.
Concrete Record In Manchester
- Burnham has tangible governance achievements in Manchester, giving him a concrete record to run on.
- Manchester's strong productivity growth and distinct brand underpin his political credibility.