Andy Burnham may soon be stepping into the role of the UK’s Prime Minister, following Keir Starmer’s recent resignation. The Labour Party has outlined a schedule for a leadership race, but currently, there appears to be a strong consensus for Burnham as the only viable candidate. Sources suggest that the party is rallying behind the newly elected MP for Makerfield to lead them forward.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, along with Housing Secretary Steve Reed, who had been loyal supporters of Starmer, have both indicated that Labour MPs are favoring a direct move to appointing Burnham without a competitive race. Burnham himself laid out an ambitious vision for the economy and greater local governance during a pivotal speech in Manchester on Monday, June 29.
Yet, as soon as Burnham finished his address, he faced a barrage of criticism. Among the most vocal was Jeremy Clarkson, who expressed concern over Burnham’s potential impact on the British public. On the platform X, a user queried, “Do you think Andy Burnham will be worse than Starmer?” The 66-year-old automotive enthusiast tersely replied, “Yes.”
Despite the criticism, Burnham is not without high-profile supporters as he makes his bid for leadership. Several celebrities have thrown their weight behind the contender, brightening his prospects for a potential move to 10 Downing Street.
Steve Coogan
Among those cheering for Burnham is the actor Steve Coogan, renowned for his portrayal of Alan Partridge. During Burnham’s recent campaign for the newly elected MP position, Coogan, 60, featured in a video with Burnham, who confessed to experiencing a deficit in campaign posters and noted that his rivals had secured celebrity endorsements. Coogan’s support is a significant boost for Burnham, reflecting his appeal across various spheres.
Coogan then appears in frame, joking: “Andy wanted a slightly classier celebrity to endorse his campaign, but he had to put up with me instead.”
(Image: Getty)
Carol Vorderman
Another celebrity to voice her support for Burnham is none other than Labour supporter, Carol Vorderman. The former Countdown star, 65, reacted to his win in Makerfield in an Instagram video.
She commented: “I’m so happy… Burnham wins resoundingly by about 55% of the vote. Isn’t that fantastic?
“Congratulations, Makerfield. As someone who came from the North – and I’m not a South East bird, I’ve lived in Bristol nearly 20 years now –
it’s like, finally, we’re gonna have someone who thinks about places outside the South East. And it’s just gonna be marvellous, Andy Burnham for prime minister.”
(Image: Getty)