The No Hopers Vs Andy Burnham

From Andy Burnham's point of view, he couldn't have asked for a better week. His daily list of announcements went down with nmst official politics watchers, leaving those complaining, like the Tories, like the Daily Express, looking distinctly fogeyish. His social media output, particularly his chat with John Healey about pub snacks, also did the business of going viral on Facebook and TikTok. And the reward has been immediate. A +13 for Burnham's personal ratings, which is higher than Keir Starmer ever managed, and the first polling lead for Labour since April 2025. Moreincommon report a four-point advantage over Reform, which is significant seeing as their polling has tended to flatter Nigel Farage in the past. Burnham's team landed the first week then and has offered a pleasing change where Labour's former support are concerned, provided one does not look too closely. Yet some people are unhappy. Some of them being those people whose services Burnham dispensed with upon entering…