Burnham Draws Mixed Northern Reaction Before Becoming First North West PM-MP in 50 Years
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 17
Burnham Draws Mixed Northern Reaction Before Becoming First North West PM-MP in 50 Years
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 17
Summary
Huddersfield and Barnsley voters gave Andy Burnham a mixed welcome before he takes office next week, with some hailing a "northern PM" and others saying he is merely another prime minister.
50 years have passed since a prime minister held a constituency seat in north west England, a milestone that supporters say could sharpen attention on northern priorities long neglected by Westminster.
Manchester was central to the optimism: voters cited Burnham's nine years as mayor, greater devolution and the city's fast growth as evidence his "Manchesterism" could translate into national government.
Barnsley voters who were more cautious pointed to immigration, NHS and police staffing, childcare, welfare and climate policy, while one argued Burnham should call a general election because he is taking power "by default."