Summary
Andy Burnham's recent ascension to the role of Prime Minister marks a significant shift in the UK political landscape, with many speculating about his potential to be a transformative leader. Observers note that Burnham has quickly established himself as a prominent communicator, engaging with the public and dominating political discourse in a manner that contrasts sharply with his predecessor, Keir Starmer. Polls indicate that Labour is experiencing a resurgence, with Burnham's leadership credited for a notable increase in support.
Steve Rotherham, Mayor of Liverpool City Region and a close ally of Burnham, reflects on their long-standing friendship and shared political vision. Rotherham emphasizes Burnham's commitment to addressing regional disparities and advocating for devolution, drawing parallels to successful economic strategies implemented in post-reunification Germany. The two have co-authored a manifesto aimed at rebalancing the UK's economy, highlighting the need for investment in underfunded areas outside of London.
Despite the optimism surrounding Burnham's leadership, Rotherham acknowledges the challenges ahead, including managing public expectations and navigating the complexities of parliamentary politics. He expresses confidence in Burnham's ability to connect with the electorate and tackle pressing issues, such as social care reform, while also recognizing the potential pitfalls of ambitious promises in a constrained political environment. As Burnham embarks on this new chapter, the political community watches closely to see if he can deliver on his vision for transformative change.
Show Notes
It's hard to think of a political alliance as tightly bonded as Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram. Both northern MPs who vacated Westminster to lead their respective City regions, they have even co-authored a book - 'Head North' - which lays out their roadmap to fix Britain. Many of the words, ideas and policies Burnham has unveiled in his first week in office are all laid out in that book. It's a manifesto for fundamentally rewiring Britain, for bringing a new set of values into politics, and for bringing development and opportunity to neglected northern towns and cities. They are self-described "bezzie mates", even "brothers". So who better to speak to than Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, to get under the new Prime Minister's skin, and work out what happens now. The News Agents is a Global Production. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
More from The News Agents
Andy Burnham clearly likes talking about Brexit. This weekend, he said he would welcome an "honest discussion" about the prospect of returning to freedom of movement with the EU. Yesterday, he was reiterating that he'd like to see us rejoining in his lifetime - though insisted that "the public are the bosses". But despite the warm words, it's not actually clear what he's proposing. And, indeed, Downing Street had to come forward to clarify that the PM isn't 'proposing' a return to freedom of movement - or indeed any other particular option - at this stage. Should Burnham be a bit clearer about what outcome he actually wants? Would moving closer to the EU be the easiest way to get some more growth into the economy? Or is there method in the vague position he currently occupies? Later, on the eve of the Budget, Darren Jones - intensely involved in the Budgets of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves - speaks to Jon and Emily about the challenges ahead for the Treasury, and how Labour can "meet the moment" in a perilous political climate. The News Agents is a Global Production. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
It has been a busy weekend of election watching with some stupendous results. In Belgrade, the Russian friendly Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat when a grass roots student movement on an anti corruption platform ended his 12 year hold over Serbia. In Brazil, "Lula's Army" - a ten million strong WhatsApp group - helped the 80-year-old defeat the son of Trump's mate Jair Bolsonaro. What does this mobilisation of the youth vote presage for elections in Israel tomorrow and for the American midterms next week? Is Trump a help or a hindrance to those leaders he vocally supports? The News Agents is a Global Production. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
On January 20 2025 Donald Trump marked the first day of his second term as president by signing an executive order creating a new taskforce: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Led by Musk, who had spent more than $250m on Trump’s presidential campaign, DOGE was charged with slashing federal spending, cutting government waste and reducing the size of the workforce. This Friday, Lewis is joined by Michael Lewis, bestselling author of The Big Short, Moneyball and The Blind Side, to discuss his latest book, Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State. It takes us inside Elon Musk’s DOGE through the stories of the civil servants who found themselves labelled as “blockers” as they tried to navigate Musk's leadership. So, what happens when the people responsible for keeping government running become the very people standing in the way of those in power? Was DOGE ever really about efficiency? And who protects the Constitution when those sworn to uphold it are pushed aside? The News Agents is a Global production. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Next week some 7 million Israelis will go to the polls to decide the future of their country and whether to boot out Benjamin Netanyahu - a man who has dominated their country for nearly three decades. It’s the first election since the massacre of October 7th and his destruction of Gaza. Will voters blame him for the terrorism on home soil? Or will they believe him best placed to defend their interests and security? Voters outside of Israel must all return home to vote - we speak to one, Ayala Panievsky, who is leaving tonight, about her hopes for the future. Later, thousands of young protestors on the streets and a hard line response from the police in Tirana. Why is it all kicking off again in Albania? And can it really be traced back to Donald Trump again? The News Agents is a Global production. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
For more than two decades, Christian Horner was at the heart of Formula 1 — building Red Bull Racing into one of the most dominant teams in the sport, managing world champions and navigating the ruthless politics of the F1 paddock. But behind the victories, rivalries and extraordinary success lies a story far more complicated than the trophies suggest. The former Red Bull Racing team principal joins Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman for an in-depth interview on The Sports Agents ahead of the release of his autobiography Drive. Horner reflects on his remarkable rise through Formula 1, his relationships with the sport’s biggest personalities, the battles fought behind closed doors and the extraordinary events that brought his time at Red Bull to an abrupt and controversial end. From the pressures of leading an F1 powerhouse to the personal cost of life at the very top, this is a rare insight into the power, politics and personalities that shape Formula 1 — from a man who spent 20 years at the centre of it all. Drive by Christian Horner is out now and available to buy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1911754785 Christian will be sharing stories from the book at the Cambridge Theatre in London on Monday 26th October. Tickets are available from the venue here: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/christian-horner/