An editorial in the Daily Mail criticizes Andy Burnham's potential ascension to national leadership, labeling him a "great pretender" due to his perceived lack of electoral mandate and policy substance. The commentary suggests that while the previous leader, Sir Keir Starmer, had been elected by the public, albeit by default after a "Tory implosion," Burnham is poised to enter Downing Street through a "cynical Labour stitch-up" without facing a general election.
The article posits that Burnham has operated on the "outer margins of national politics for nearly a decade," having not stood for Parliament in the last three elections. His tenure as mayor of a provincial city is described as a significant step down from leading the country. Furthermore, the editorial asserts that Burnham's inner circle is "terrifyingly lacking in experience."
Burnham is characterized by his supporters as a potential messiah for the Labour party, but the commentary likens him to a "dodgy evangelist" offering vague remedies for the nation's problems. His speeches are described as containing "bland, often cringeworthy cliches" such as "circuit-breaker," "growth in every postcode," and "hope in every heart." The editorial questions the substance behind these phrases, stating that "platitudes, a ready wink and a winsome smile are no substitute for policies."
"Manchesterism" and the phrase "I'm for us!" are dismissed as "stupendously vacuous" and "twee parochialism" that fail to address domestic and international challenges. The piece highlights that Britain is facing numerous crises, requiring a leader with a clear understanding and the courage to confront them. The editorial expresses doubt that Burnham is such a leader, noting that "what little evidence we have is not encouraging."
The commentary anticipates that Burnham, as a "tax-and-spend socialist," will likely increase taxes and fail to control the national welfare bill. His reported support for "renationalisation, greater union power, and more devolution to the regions" is also noted.
Significant questions are raised about Burnham's preparedness and policy specifics regarding defense, national debt reduction, crime, high street revitalization, and cost of living. The article also points out that he has not yet selected a Chancellor, deeming the country to be in the hands of "rank amateurs."
The editorial concludes by stating that the "right thing to do would be to call a general election." This, it argues, would allow Burnham to "develop and refine his policy platform and put it to the public vote." Until such an election occurs, the commentary asserts, Burnham will remain "a pretender. A messiah with no mandate."