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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Pippa Crerar and Rowena Mason

The war for Burnham’s ear: politicians and wonks fight for influence over a PM

Andy Burnham Louise Haigh Anneliese Midgley Ed Miliband James Purnell Josh Simons Sir Keir Starmer Westminster
Andy Burnham speaks at a rally
Andy Burnham was ‘the personification of this moment of possibility’, said one of his close allies. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

As well as being the most popular politician in the country – for now – Andy Burnham is also the most popular man at Westminster. Labour MPs, the unions, Whitehall civil servants, political advisers and thinktanks are all among those battling for the ear of the next prime minister.

“There are so many different demands all at once. But the supply of face time with Andy is significantly smaller than the demand. It’s been like laying down a new train track simultaneously with driving the train at 200mph,” one close ally said.

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