The Engine Hall annexe at the People’s History Museum in Manchester was already rammed half an hour before Andy Burnham was due to speak. A museum dedicated to democracy, Burnham said it was one of his favourite places. No one, though, was quite in the mood to mention that the Makerfield MP and prime minister designate is about to become yet another prime minister installed without a general election. Without even a leadership contest.
After a brief introduction from Bev Craig, Labour’s candidate to be the new mayor of Greater Manchester, and a prolonged standing ovation just for walking into the room, Burnham took to the stage in Manchester mode – a black T-shirt. “Where Keir Starmer had the unfortunate knack of making any room feel awkward, Andy looked as if he was right at home,” wrote Guardian sketch writer John Crace.
“Andy Burnham vows to set up No 10 North in Manchester, describing it as the biggest change in lifetimes.”
Burnham confirmed he will set up a “No 10 North” in Manchester, calling it the “biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is run”. The change, he said, would be driven through the prime minister’s office in an extended operation based in Manchester. “But here’s the important thing; it will only be based here. The job of No 10 North will be to make power flow into the Midlands, into the South West, into the East of England and yes, into London.”
He said the plans are consistent with the 2024 manifesto and will create “a more streamlined state with a clearer purpose to power up all parts of the country and put a laser-like focus on growth and regeneration, good growth”.
Before Burnham had opened his mouth, however, Kemi Badenoch accused him of trying to avoid the scrutiny of MPs. “Andy Burnham doesn’t like questions. Nigel Farage doesn’t like questions. Even Keir Starmer in parliament, he doesn’t like questions here,” Badenoch said. “If you want somebody who can answer questions, please come to me. I will answer all of your questions.” She also said that “Ed Miliband … is the single person who has done the most to deindustrialise our country and make us poorer. He should not be rewarded with an even more powerful job.”
Burnham had made clear in advance that he would not take questions from the media. He was not feeling the right vibes. He had a busy schedule. He needed to be somewhere else afterwards. Despite the criticism, the home crowd swooned. As John Crace put it: “At the People’s History Museum, Burnham gives Labour people hope they might just have a future.”