Politicians and wonks compete for influence over Andy Burnham
15 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a single-source report from The Guardian, Labour leader Andy Burnham is facing intense competition from MPs, unions, civil servants, advisers, and thinktanks seeking his attention as he prepares to become prime minister. One close ally described the situation as having "so many different demands all at once," with demand for face time far exceeding supply. Burnham arrived at Westminster on Monday with just a couple of aides and was given offices in Portcullis House. His inner circle is small, consisting of about half a dozen people, and the pressure has been intense, with one adviser going to bed with 450 unread WhatsApp messages. The team has received about 100 policy submissions since the byelection and admits to being overwhelmed by a "mountain" of policy papers. Burnham has kept a cool head but is focused on private meetings with Labour MPs, signing up the 81 names required to run for the leadership. The jostling for jobs in a future Burnham administration has been described as "excruciating," with daily rumors about appointments.
What’s reported
Burnham is described as the most popular politician in the country and at Westminster.
He arrived at Westminster on Monday in a black cab from Euston station with a couple of aides.
His offices are on the top floor of Portcullis House, overlooking Big Ben, on the same corridor as Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgley.
His inner circle consists of about half a dozen people, with others dipping in.
One adviser went to bed with 450 unread WhatsApp messages late one night.
Miatta Fahnbulleh and Josh Simons have been drawing up policy for Burnham.
The team has received about 100 policy submissions since the byelection.
Burnham needs 81 names to run for the leadership.
James Purnell, a Blairite former cabinet minister, has been appointed as Burnham's chief of staff.
Burnham has spoken to Yvette Cooper and Rachel Reeves about the handover, not potential jobs.
Wes Streeting is helping Burnham's campaign.
Ed Miliband is advising on the economy.
Burnham has not yet sat down with Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary.
Simon Case, former cabinet secretary, said officials need to know who speaks for Burnham.
The earliest Burnham could become party leader is 17 July, with a likely coronation in three weeks.
Open questions
Who will be chosen as chancellor and what that signals about Burnham's economic instincts.
Which individuals will get jobs in a future Burnham administration.
Whether Burnham will meet with Shabana Mahmood.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, Labour leader and prime minister presumptive
Louise Haigh, close ally
Anneliese Midgley, close ally
Sally Jameson, adviser
Miatta Fahnbulleh, former thinktank chief and minister
Josh Simons, former MP
James Purnell, chief of staff
Ed Miliband, former Labour leader
Yvette Cooper, current cabinet minister
Rachel Reeves, current cabinet minister
Wes Streeting, current cabinet minister
Shabana Mahmood, home secretary
John Healey, former minister
Simon Case, former cabinet secretary
Bev Craig, mayoral candidate
Sources: The Guardian
