Andy Burnham has just won what might be the most consequential byelection in British political history. His win clears the way for him to enter parliament as a Labour MP and challenge Sir Keir Starmer to become prime minister of the United Kingdom.
But this win isn’t just about filling a constituency vacancy with another MP to populate the lobbies at Westminster. Nor is it even only about a challenge to Starmer’s leadership - although that is now on the cards.
Burnham believes he has the recipe to revitalise the Labour Party, British politics and hence the UK itself. That recipe has two main ingredients: hope and locality.
But first, who is Andy Burnham, and why does his election to a constituency in Lancashire matter so much to the future of British politics?
Rise of the ‘king of the north’Burnham’s job prior to his election to parliament was mayor of Greater Manchester. His record as a Labour mayor of this important city gave solace to many Labour supporters during the years of Conservative government – and during Starmer’s turgid leadership.
To some, Burnham is the so-called “king of the north”. This nickname came from his high profile in the distinct politics of the north-west of England.
In this sense, he was always something of a...
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