How fortuitous for Andy Burnham that just as Keir Starmer departs from Downing Street, the threat from the menacing presence of Nigel Farage is also beginning to dissolve (Editorial, 15 July). Burnham is an unknown quantity to most of the public so he needs to define who he is, what he believes in and what he will do about the things people care about most – the cost of living, the housing market and the parlous state of public services.
In stark contrast to Keir Starmer’s cautious and forensic persona, Burnham is a skilled operator, familiar with the rough cut and thrust of politics, and a track record of fusing the energy and talents of people from diverse perspectives to work towards a common good.
