Donald Trump has given his first public reaction to the man widely expected to become Britain's next prime minister, describing Andy Burnham as an “extremely liberal” politician and “the mayor of a town”. The US president’s intervention underscores the diplomatic tightrope Burnham will have to walk, coming as the former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin warned that the UK’s next leader must operate “almost like a wartime prime minister”.
Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Sir Tony said Burnham would need to apply a “Moscow test” to his policies – asking whether the UK looks like a strong Nato ally, a strong nuclear power and a strong friend to America. “Because those are the elements that keep us safe,” the former military chief added. He urged the next prime minister to fulfil the pledge to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, describing the country’s military capabilities as “too bare”. His comments came as the government prepared to publish its defence investment plan ahead of the Nato summit in Turkey on 7 July.
“Trump calls Burnham 'mayor of a town' as ex-military chief demands 'Moscow test' on defence”
Burnham, who became MP for Makerfield earlier this month, has so far declined to comment on Trump’s remarks. The new Labour leader has a history of criticising the US president – in 2017 he said he would refuse to meet Trump “as a matter of principle”, calling him a purveyor of “hateful extremist material”. In 2021, after the US Capitol riots, he posted that any UK politician who gave Trump “the time of day” should be ashamed.
But with the UK set to host the G20 next year and the G7 the year after, the mayor-turned-MP will have to manage that relationship. Meanwhile, he has announced he will donate 15% of his MP’s salary – currently £98,599 – to local causes in Makerfield, continuing a practice he maintained as Greater Manchester mayor. “I did that for nine years as mayor to tackle homelessness and I am going to carry it forward,” he said in a clip online, starting with a donation to the Stubshaw Cross community and sports club that served as his campaign headquarters.
On Monday, Burnham is due to deliver a landmark speech in Manchester, pledging to “rewire Britain” and put devolution “at the heart of Downing Street”. A source familiar with the address said it was about handing power back to communities neglected after 14 years of Tory government. “He wants a place first approach,” the source said. “Devolution will be at the heart of his agenda – more powers for mayors, more for overlooked communities.” The speech is seen as his reintroduction to the country after years focused on Greater Manchester, and a chance to show that he recognises “politics isn’t working” and hasn’t “met the bar”. He has not yet named his choice for chancellor, though former party leader Ed Miliband has been linked to the role.