Key facts
- Tony Blair advised Andy Burnham not to expect popularity, comparing it to his own experience after the 1997 election.
- Blair emphasized the need for Burnham to maintain a strong relationship with the United States.
- The former Prime Minister also cautioned Burnham regarding energy secretary Ed Miliband's net zero policies.
- The discussion took place at the Tony Blair Institute's summer drinks reception.
- Andy Burnham is the sole candidate for the Labour leadership.
Sir Tony Blair has cautioned Andy Burnham against expecting widespread popularity, drawing a parallel to his own experience following Labour's 1997 election victory. Speaking at the Tony Blair Institute's summer reception, Blair told Burnham, "you may think you're going to be loved, but you're not going to be."
Blair also stressed the critical importance of maintaining a robust relationship with the United States, regardless of who occupies the presidency, citing the ongoing threat of Russian aggression in Europe. He noted that Russia has sustained significant daily losses in Ukraine, suggesting a mentality that differs from Western Europe.
Additionally, Blair advised Burnham to reconsider continuing with energy secretary Ed Miliband's net zero policies. The event, attended by political and business figures including former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, occurred as Burnham was effectively confirmed as the sole candidate for the Labour leadership.
Burnham's campaign has leveraged his personal popularity, particularly in northern regions, a strategy that Blair himself experienced after Labour's 1997 landslide. Blair expressed well wishes for Burnham's success, acknowledging his political acumen and genuine interest in people.