Asking Mancs If Andy Burnham Should Be Prime Minister

In this vox pop from Manchester, we ask the people of the city whether they think Andy Burnham should be the next Prime Minister of the UK. Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, has built a reputation as a hands-on leader who connects with ordinary people — and Mancunians had plenty to say when asked if he could do a better job than Keir Starmer.

Those interviewed praised Burnham’s record as mayor, highlighting his achievements on public transport reform, especially bringing Manchester’s buses back under public control, and his consistent focus on tackling homelessness and rough sleeping across the city region. Many pointed to Burnham’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he stood up to Westminster to demand a fair financial deal for the North, as proof of his willingness to fight for his constituents.

By contrast, several respondents criticised Keir Starmer’s first year as Prime Minister, describing it as lacklustre, uninspiring, and overly cautious. They argued that Burnham appears more in touch with working-class communities than Starmer, and more willing to take bold positions on issues like housing, transport, and workers’ rights. For many Mancunians, Burnham represents the kind of leadership they feel is missing at the top of British politics.

This vox pop captures a fascinating snapshot of opinion in the North, where Labour’s heartlands are watching closely to see if Starmer can deliver. But with Andy Burnham’s popularity riding high, many in Manchester believe their mayor would make a stronger, more decisive prime minister.

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