Labour MP Jake Richards faced an uncomfortable moment on BBC's Politics Live on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, when presenter Alex Forsyth confronted him about his past critical tweets about Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham. The exchange occurred during the lunchtime show, where Forsyth grilled Richards alongside journalist Henry Zeffman and shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge.
Forsyth confronts MP over decade-old tweets
As the show neared its end, Forsyth asked Richards whether he looked forward to Andy Burnham as Prime Minister. Richards responded positively, praising Burnham's unique journey and transformative work as mayor in the North West. However, Forsyth cut him off, citing time constraints, and revealed that the BBC had reviewed Richards' old social media posts, which were not complimentary of Burnham.
She read out a tweet from approximately 11 years ago: "All I see supporting Corbyn: the SWP, middle-class Marxists, and Andy Burnham." Richards claimed he did not remember writing it, adding that he was in his mid-20s at the time and has since changed. He argued that Burnham had also evolved as a politician after moving to Manchester.
Richards defends changed views
When pressed by Forsyth on whether his view of Burnham had changed, Richards carefully avoided a direct answer, stating that Burnham had become "a much more rigorous and coherent political figure" over the past decade. Forsyth then asked if Burnham had Richards' full support, to which the MP emphatically replied, "Absolutely, and we're ready to go."
The tense exchange highlighted the scrutiny politicians face over past statements, especially during leadership campaigns. Burnham is currently vying to become the next Labour leader and Prime Minister, with Richards now publicly backing him despite previous criticism.
