By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-08-07 11:11:57 | Updated at 2026-08-07 12:18:54
1 hour ago
Downing Street officials have told Andy Burnham to stop being "blokeish" as they advised him to become more like his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer.
Since becoming Prime Minister, Mr Burnham has produced a series of videos referencing his love for football, pub snacks and beer in a marked departure from Sir Keir.
In one video, he ranked popular pub snacks with newly appointed Chancellor, John Healey.
However, experts in a unit set up by Sir Keir said the Prime Minister should limit the number of references to football and the pub in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience.
A source told The Times: "No10 have a very good team that specialise in social media data and analytics.
"They’re producing daily reports for the PM’s team and have cautioned against some of the content, advising to tone down some of the blokiness, such as the bar snacks stunt. He is a strong communicator but it’s about balance."
However, pollsters warned Mr Burnham's approach proved more popular among the general public.
Director of More in Common UK Luke Tryl said: "One of things the public like about [Mr Burnham] is he’s seen to be normal/himself, comfortable in his skin."
Andy Burnham has differed in his approach to comms compared to Keir Starmer
Mr Tryl continued: "In Makerfield people liked they’d seen him at football games, he clearly enjoyed a drink like everyone else. He’s got a +20 national approval in an anti-politics age."
Home Office Minister Anna Turley told GB News: "I have no problem with his social media. I think communication is really, really important.
"There's British people in constituencies like mine want to see a Prime Minister who they know they can associate with, who they know is a human being who speaks for them in No10. I think that's really important."
The MP for Redcar and former Labour party chair said: "If liking football and going to the pub is blokey, then I'm afraid I'm guilty as anyone", adding her favourite pint is a "nice tropical IPA".
Anna Turley said her favourite pint is a 'tropical IPA'
GB NEWS
The most recent poling has Mr Burnham's net approval rating standing at a few points above zero.
His net rating is much higher than that of his predecessor Sir Keir and he ranks more popular than Reform's Nigel Farage and the Greens’ Zack Polanski.
According to a YouGov poll, the public also think Mr Burnham is more likeable, competent and stronger than the former Prime Minister.
In another boost for the former Greater Manchester Mayor, his approval rating among Londoners is even higher than among northerners.
However, when asked about party popularity by YouGov, Reform UK maintained a narrow lead over Labour.
The latest voting intention survey from YouGov puts Reform on 23 per cent, up one percentage point on the previous week and slightly ahead of Labour which remains unchanged from the previous week on 22 per cent.
YouGov’s Head of Elections and Political Data Dr Patrick English, told The Telegraph: "I would say that there certainly has been a positive response from the British public to Labour’s removal of Keir Starmer, who was one of the most unpopular prime ministers we’d ever seen, and replacement with Andy Burnham, who is currently the most positively rated party leader that we are measuring.
"There has been a response there and I think that’s to be expected, but even though Burnham leads our favourability ratings he is not hugely popular.
"So I don’t think we should expect a massive surge in Labour support, and I would caution expectations in that regard because the British public still don’t think that the Government is doing a brilliant job."
