Since assuming the role of Britain's Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has consistently found opportunities to promote his former home city of Manchester. POLITICO has identified six instances where Burnham has integrated references to Manchester into his official duties and communications.
One notable instance is the establishment of 'No.10 North' in Manchester's Heron House, which Burnham has dubbed the 'situation room for growth' and intends to work from regularly. The office features a gold 'The Queen Is Dead' disk from Manchester band The Smiths. University of Manchester academic Robert Ford noted that these references are a 'clever bit of messaging' that signals to Mancunians that Burnham has not forgotten the city.
During his initial call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Burnham extended an invitation to Manchester, anticipating the city's role in hosting the upcoming G20 summit. In discussions with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Burnham highlighted the 'Manchester Growth Hub' as inspiration for Oman's Al Batinah North Growth Hub.
Burnham's affinity for Manchester's musical heritage has also been evident. He danced to New Order's 'True Faith' upon becoming Labour leader and included four Manchester bands in a TikTok blind ranking. His official Spotify playlist during the Makerfield by-election also featured Mancunian artists.
Furthermore, during a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Modi referred to Ahmedabad as the 'Manchester of India,' drawing parallels with Burnham's home city. Burnham also used Manchester slang, specifically the term 'barm' for a bread roll, in a TikTok video promoting his devolution agenda, illustrating a point about regional differences.
Burnham's continued promotion of Manchester has been met with positive reception in the city, with academics suggesting it is a strategic move to maintain popularity.
