Andy Burnham advised to bin Britpop garments as ‘ageing pop star’ look will not minimize it on world stage
Andy Burnham is preparing to march into Number 10 on Monday – but he’s been given a brutal warning to ditch his iconic “dad-at-a-gig” wardrobe before he meets world leaders. The incoming Prime Minister, who officially took over the Labour leadership at a special party conference on Friday and will now enter Downing Street imminently, has built a reputation on his casual, Northern-cool vibe.
But a top political expert has warned the “King of the North” that his days of rocking up in casual jackets and open collars are over.
Speaking ahead of Burnham’s coronation, University of Liverpool Professor of Politics Jon Tonge urged the new PM to change his wardrobe.
Burnham is set to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister imminently(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Asked if Burnham’s legendary “everyman” appeal could backfire on the global stage, Professor Tonge told the Star: “I think his ‘Smiths meets Britpop’ dressed down look will have to end.
“He’s got no experience of foreign policy and when he’s on the world stage dressing like an ageing pop star isn’t going to cut it. Suits and shoes (are) needed.”
With Sir Keir Starmer winding down his final days in office last week, Burnham’s coronation became a mathematical certainty after a late surge of 27 extra nominations from MPs took his total to a whopping 349.
Burnham has built a reputation based on his casual, Northern-cool vibe(Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
No other rival could even dream of reaching the 81 nominations needed to challenge him. But while Burnham has conquered the Parliamentary Labour Party, the hard work starts now.
One of Burnham’s most eye-catching proposals is his plan for a “No. 10 North” based in Manchester.
Critics have questioned if trying to run the country from two different postcodes will trigger an all-out civil war with the mandarins in Whitehall. However, Professor Tonge thinks civil servants might actually welcome the move.
One of Burnham’s most eye-catching proposals is his plan for a ‘No. 10 North’ based in Manchester(Image: ANDY RAIN/EPA/Shutterstock)
He said: “This will be okay because it will merely split responsibilities between the traditional No. 10 and the new Northern one.
“Whitehall would be more annoyed if it removed jobs – but it will simply increase the size of the office of the PM – so more jobs; it’s just that some will be in Manchester.”
Burnham has also signalled a dramatic shift in economic policy, including a potential departmental spending review alongside the autumn fiscal statement, and a major focus on saving the high street.
Burnham has also signalled a dramatic shift in economic policy, including plans to slash business rates(Image: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
According to Professor Tonge, his plan to slash business rates could be his saving grace.
He said: “It’s probably the best idea of Burnham’s, who does understand the need for growth from his time as Greater Manchester Mayor, when he achieved the best growth rates of anywhere in England.
“Cutting business rates will help save some of the most marginal businesses – like shops and pubs. Burnham might also cut employer National Insurance rates which were stupidly raised immediately by Starmer’s government – and Burnham has indicated he found that increase baffling.”
Burnham’s declaration that he will not be ‘squeamish’ about making welfare cuts has raised eyebrows(Image: Nicola Tree/Getty Images)
It won’t all be smooth sailing for the new PM. Burnham’s declaration that he will not be “squeamish” about making welfare cuts has already raised eyebrows and experts predict it could trigger a massive mutiny from his own backbenchers.
Asked if deep welfare cuts are actually feasible, Professor Tonge bluntly said: “No. Keir Starmer quickly fell out with his backbenchers when he attempted welfare cuts. He removed the party whip from some but in the end he backed down – as will Burnham.”
The incoming PM is also facing heat for his media-shy approach. After refusing to take questions from journalists following his massive “No 10. North” speech, questions have been raised about how transparent his administration will be.
Professor Tonge said: “It’s not a good look. He’s had an easy ride from the regional media up here. That’s over and he needs to accept he’ll be getting tough questions every day.”
Whether Burnham swaps his black Harrington jacket for a sharp Savile Row suit remains to be seen, but come Monday morning, the spotlight is firmly on him.
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