Andy Burnham is about to become prime minister, and Tony Blair has a blunt message for him: don't expect to be loved. Speaking at a summer drinks reception hosted by the Tony Blair Institute at the National Theatre in London, the former Labour leader warned the incoming PM that the adulation of a landslide victory quickly fades. "I think you may think you're going to be loved, but you're not going to be," Blair told the man known as the 'King of the North', as reported by Yahoo News UK and Sky News.
Burnham is effectively confirmed as the next prime minister after securing 349 nominations from Labour MPs, with his campaign styled on his strong personal popularity in northern England. He has vowed a change in culture within the party and told colleagues his cabinet will reflect a "broad church". But Blair, who won a historic majority in 1997, cautioned that popularity alone won't sustain a government. He added that he wishes Burnwell well and hopes he succeeds, describing him as having "a very sure political touch" and being "a genuinely people person".
“Tony Blair's warning to Andy Burnham that popularity won't last amid new PM's challenges.”
The advice comes at a pivotal moment. Burnham will inherit a country facing multiple challenges: the threat from Russia, the transition to net zero, and the need to maintain a strong relationship with the United States regardless of who is president. Blair specifically warned Burnham to maintain the US relationship because of the risk of a Russian invasion of Europe, and urged caution over continuing with energy secretary Ed Miliband's net zero policies. The event, sponsored by Uber, was attended by former Tory PM Rishi Sunak alongside figures from politics, business and media.
For UK readers, Burnham's premiership will mean immediate decisions on climate policy, defence spending, and the country's place in the world. His ability to balance public expectations with tough choices will be tested. Blair's warning serves as a reminder that even the most popular leaders face disillusionment. The 'King of the North' will need more than a friendly image to navigate the realities of power.
Q: What did Tony Blair tell Andy Burnham about being prime minister? Blair told Burnham that he would not be loved, even if he thinks he will be. He advised him to focus on governing rather than popularity, and warned that the warm glow of a landslide victory quickly wears off.
Q: Why is the US relationship so important according to Blair? Blair argued that maintaining a strong US relationship is vital because of the threat of a Russian invasion of Europe. He said this applies "whoever is president", implying that Burnham must work with both Donald Trump and any future US leader.
Q: What is Burnham's stance on net zero policies? Blair directly warned Burnham against continuing with Ed Miliband's current net zero policies. The exact changes Burnham might make are unclear, but the advice suggests a potential shift in approach to climate targets.
What happens next is uncertain. Burnham will soon announce his cabinet, with ministers still unsure who will survive the reshuffle. His first appointments and decisions will signal the direction of his government. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is ending his premiership on the world stage, including an extra day in Paris for Bastille Day and a possible trip to the World Cup final. All eyes are on Burnham as he prepares to take the reins.