Andy Burnham events with music legends as he hilariously hails Count Binface
Exclusive: Andy Burnham celebrated storming through the Labour nominations by partying with Manchester band James as he presented them with a Legend Award at the Silver Clef Awards
Andy Burnham with James legend Tim Booth(Image: Getty Images)
Andy Burnham celebrated storming through the Labour nominations – by partying with Manchester band James at a swanky showbiz awards bash. The soon-to-be Prime Minister also gave a hilarious speech saying Count Binface was “carrying the hopes of the nation” in the Clacton by-election where he is facing Nigel Farage.
Burnham is pals with the band after meeting at their massive hometown show at the Co-Op Live, in Manchester, earlier this year. He was also in touch with the group after asking for permission to use their 1993 hit Sometimes in the Makerfield by-election.
A source said Andy “jumped at the chance” to present the Legend award to the group at the prestigious Silver Clef Awards at London’s Royal Albert Hall. He was guest of honour on the band’s table sitting alongside lead singer Tim Booth, and was later cheered by fans when he was introduced on stage. Throughout the night he was also approached by fans congratulating him on his victory and took several selfies.
A source said: “Andy was there with stars including Lily Allen, Pink and Sam Fender but it felt like he was in many ways the main attraction. There was a real buzz in the room.”
Insiders close to James said they were “blown away” by the fact he chose to give the award on the very day he was effectively nominated as Labour leader. Just hours before Burnham’s Labour leadership bid was backed by 322 Labour MPs as he remains the only declared candidate after nominations began.
A source close to James said: “They would have understood if he had politely declined to come to the awards show given the enormity of the day but were delighted that he made the time to come and speak so brilliantly about his love for the band.”
Burnham’s Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 Labour MPs as he remains the only declared candidate after nominations began. Speaking on stage, Burnham said it was an honour to present the award “particularly as it wouldn’t normally be given to a recently elected backbench MP.”
Referring to Farage, he joked: “Now, the legends that we’re here to honour have not shied away from politics in their career, but I promise you, I am not going to talk politics to you tonight, except to say, except to say this, Count Binface. You are carrying the hopes of the nation.”
His comments got a massive roar from the crowd. Burnham also paid tribute to James describing how he often ruined his clothes on “beer soaked dance floors” after being told to “Sit Down” which is the band’s most well-known hit.
He said: “The band that we’re honouring here, well, they truly justify that word, legend. If you’ve seen them live, some of you must have seen this band live. It is an electric experience, magnetic. They are the best live performers around, but also their music has a deep humanity about it. Many Faces, the anti-racist anthem of our times, and if you think about some of their other songs, the spirituality of the lyrics. Sometimes, when I look deep into your eyes, I swear I can see your soul. This band is full of soul, and that’s why it’s wonderful that they are being honoured tonight.”
He added: “I am presenting this award on behalf of a generation of people who ruined their best going-out clothes on beer-soaked dance floors because somebody told them to sit down and they did it because they love this band so much and I was one of those people.” After accepting the award, lead singer Tim joked: “Andy Burnham, what have you gone and got yourself into now? Congratulations…may you have wind in your sails to navigate all the hope and all the expectations thrust upon you of making this a more egalitarian country.”
