England fans attending the World Cup in the United States have directed a crude chant at Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Videos circulating on social media show supporters singing “Andy Burnham’s a w***er” in bars ahead of England’s second group match against Ghana.
Burnham’s Unwelcome Reception
The chant echoes similar taunts previously aimed at Starmer, whose approval ratings have plummeted to around minus 46, with a low of minus 57 recorded by YouGov in January. Starmer’s unpopularity contributed to heavy local election losses and his eventual resignation as Labour leader on Monday. Burnham, a self-proclaimed football fan, had hoped for a “new manager bounce” but instead faces immediate public hostility.
The former Greater Manchester mayor, who returned to Parliament as the MP for Makerfield on Monday, is widely expected to become prime minister within weeks if no challenger emerges. His main rival, former health secretary Wes Streeting, has endorsed him, while Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones is reportedly unlikely to stand.
Policy Platform and Cabinet Talks
Burnham is set to outline his policy agenda next week, pledging economic growth and adherence to Labour’s existing fiscal rules. These rules, set by outgoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aim to restrict borrowing and ensure day-to-day spending is covered by tax revenues by the end of the decade.
Discussions are underway about potential Cabinet appointments. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood are both tipped as possible successors to Reeves as Chancellor. However, Burnham’s allies stressed that no jobs have been offered or deals made as of Monday evening.
Path to Downing Street
If Burnham is the sole candidate to secure the necessary support for the Labour leadership contest, he could become prime minister as early as July 17. The prospect of a challenge from Darren Jones appears to be fading, with sources close to the minister indicating he is highly unlikely to stand. Jones, a key Starmer ally, reportedly sought assurances about Burnham’s economic policy amid market concerns, but his allies said he was not minded to run against him.
The viral chants from England fans underscore the challenges Burnham faces in winning over the public, even as he prepares to take the helm of a deeply unpopular Labour Party.
