Ruthless plotter or dad dancer? Insiders reveal the real Andy Burnhampublished at 08:54 BST
08:54 BST
Laura Kuenssberg
Presenter, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg
Image source, Getty Images
Who is Andy Burnham? There are plenty of labels to pick from.
King of the north, the well-liked mayor of Greater Manchester. Ruthless plotter – the man who led a shadow revolt to oust the prime minister.
Gig-goer. Everton fan and season ticket holder, who wants to try and sit in the stands even when he is running the country.
Poetry lover. Experienced former cabinet minister. Cambridge graduate.
Flip-flopper – a charge chucked at him by political critics.
The 56-year-old is going to become the 59th prime minister on Monday.
To understand who he is, I’ve spoken to more than 20 people who have worked with him over the last few decades – old friends and rivals, as well as current and former cabinet ministers.
Burnham is unusual in politics because even colleagues who are furious that he ousted Keir Starmer say he is an affable and decent person.
But does he have the experience and skills to pick Labour’s morale up off the floor, and tackle the deep problems the country has?
You can read my full analysis here