Donald Trump breaks silence on Andy Burnham with scathing four-word attack

Donald Trump has made his first public comments on Andy Burnham, the Labour MP who is the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir Starmer, and had some interesting words to dish out about the UK

Andy Burnham has been branded as “extremely liberal” by Donald Trump. The US president told journalists the the future leader of the UK “probably won’t open up the North Sea” for oil exploration, before launching a scathing attack on the country by claiming that “the UK is dying”

The Makerfield MP has been less than wonderful about Mr Trump previously, characterising American politics as “polarised” and “poisonous” while campaigning in June. As rioters breached the US Capitol in 2021, Mr Burnham posted on X: “Any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now.”

When questioned at the White House about his knowledge of Mr Burnham, Mr Trump said: “I don’t know, I think I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a town.

“I hear he’s extremely liberal, extremely, so that means he probably won’t open up the North Sea.” Prime Minister Sir Keir attempted to adopt a diplomatic stance and initially even earned acclaim for his skilful management of the erratic president, but their relationship soured over the Iran conflict.

Mr Burnham’s path to Number 10 looks completely clear, with scarcely any other Labour MPs being mentioned as potential rivals. However, former armed forces minister Al Carns, who stepped down earlier this month amid a dispute over defence spending, remains a possible candidate, demanding a “proper debate” on the country’s future.

While he didn’t explicitly state his intention to vie for the Labour leadership, he outlined on X “tests” that any candidate should meet. These include dedicating 3% of GDP to defence, addressing the youth unemployment crisis, adding a trillion pounds to UK GDP within the next decade, and enhancing the UK’s energy infrastructure.

Mr Carns concluded: “None of this is complicated.” On Thursday, Mr Burnham will also be advised that he must alleviate pressures on businesses for the UK economy to thrive.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, is poised to tell the business group’s global annual conference that recent governments have “hobbled” business prospects over the years.

Current Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is widely tipped to be replaced if Mr Burnham becomes prime minister, is also scheduled to address the conference.

Burnham is reportedly still mulling over his choice for the role. A temporary VAT reduction aimed at lowering prices at family attractions such as zoos and theme parks, as well as the cost of children’s cinema tickets and restaurant meals, is due to come into effect on Thursday. This follows Ms Reeves’ announcement of the “Great British Summer Savings” initiative.