Warrington readers divided over prospect of Burnham as PM

The former Greater Manchester Mayor and former Leigh MP returned to Parliament this week after winning the Makerfield by-election with almost 25,000 votes.

Following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday, Mr Burnham has confirmed he will stand to become Labour leader - and PM.

Mr Burnham’s strong Northern roots and long-standing connections to Warrington have fueled debate in the area about his suitability for the top job.

Warrington Guardian readers shared a wide range of opinions, with some expressing cautious support and others firmly opposed.

Lindsay Taylor said: "This makes me sooooo happy, you can’t even understand.

"His brother taught my kids, he wrote a letter for us in our fight for IVF, he met with our homeless guests at our street kitchen, and he played a charity match against the Liverpool mayor at Leigh Sports Village.

"They are just a few things I’ve had personal experience of.

"I’m really excited to see what he may do with our country.

"Totally believe in you, Andy Burnham."

Others were more sceptical, raising concerns about his record as Manchester mayor and the state of public services.

Liz Wallace said: "No... you just have to look at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester to see he doesn’t care.

"It would be a disaster."

Jane Schuster took a different tack, suggesting: "King in the North – let’s give them southerners something to chew on!!"

Many readers called for a general election, arguing that Mr Burnham has "no mandate" to lead the country without broader public backing.

Dee Williams said: "Fresh from Crackadilly Gardens.

"He has no mandate.

"General election needed."

Others used humour and metaphors to voice their views.

Patricia Middleton said: "Same horse, different jockey."

Gareth Roberts added: "Same circus but with a different clown!"

Mark Underwood was more direct, saying: "No no no."

Lorna Glaze Oliver pointed out: "Still Labour," while Graham Smith commented bluntly: "Same sh*t, different dress."

Supporters of Mr Burnham highlighted his leadership in Greater Manchester and long-time focus on the North.

Darren Rowland said: "Yes.

"He has turned Manchester’s economy into the fastest in the country."

Daljit Singh felt he would lead with "passion," saying: "He will do his job with much better passion (just check the Manchester area)."

Andy Burnham has a longstanding link to Warrington.

Born in Aintree, his family moved to Culcheth during his childhood, and he attended St Lewis Catholic Primary School before moving on to St Aelred's Roman Catholic High School in Newton-le-Willows.