I didn't mention it at the time because I thought it might get in the way of the campaign.
I did mention it on stage at the convention centre in Manchester a few days ago on 24th June.
On a visit to Southbank Centre in 2008 or 2009 Andy (Burnham) told me that he was a fan of Tony Harrison.
What didn't I say throughout his campaign? This is one for poetry nerds like me.
The word 'us' was 'reclaimed by Tony Harrison in his powerful poem 'Them and Uz' (1974). It was also reclaimed by Andy in his campaign VOTE FOR ANDY FOR US (2026). Analysis of 'uz' (or 'us') in the original poem helps us understand the contemporary use in the campaign.
Coincidentally Anthem of the North echoes this relationship. It mentions "Flocks of vowels" as unique migratory susurration of the north.
Anyway. There you have it. One for you Blake Morrison and one for you Simon - Tony being Yorkshire n'all.
"I told him I'm a Leigh fan, I don't think it's gone down too well"
First chat with Andy Burnham since he became new Labour MP for Makerfield and potential new Prime Minister.(listen for Wigan Warriors fan in the background 🤣)
Armed Forces Day in #Wigan today.
#Makerfield
Stubshaw Cross Club was kind enough to provide our by-election campaign HQ. We all loved being with them and saw how embedded they are at the heart of the community. Today I returned with something to show our appreciation from everyone on the campaign. 🙏🏻
"I wish him well, I don't think he's an Arsenal fan though!" 😅
Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, talks MP Andy Burnham and whether the skills of being a city mayor are transferrable into leading the country.
#FIFAWorldCup
Wonderful news. 👏🏻
Many congrats to my dear friend @bevcraig who has done incredible work leading our council, and I know she’d lead our city-region in the same way.
Oh my goodness, it was SO hard to say goodbye to everyone at the GMCA. 🥹
Thank you all for everything. I have loved working with you and will miss you so much. 🙏🏻
You couldn’t have given me a better leaving present! 🙌🏻
🐝🐝🐝
Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.
The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.
As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be. People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people's lives.
The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.