Andy Burnham 'may think he's going to be loved', warns Tony Blair - as PM in-waiting trots out more vague 'Manchesterism' at hustings with fawning MPs

By JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR and SOPHIE CHURCH Published: 10:03, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 10:18, 14 July 2026 Andy Burnham has been given a reality check by Tony Blair as he is cheered into Downing Street by fawning Labour MPs. The former PM cautioned the incoming premier that he is 'not going to be loved' when he takes over from Keir Starmer. The tough message came as Mr Burnham was seen as being given an easy ride at a hustings with the Parliamentary Labour Party last night. The former Greater Manchester Mayor was apparently not pushed on his vague policy platform or tax and spending plans during the online session, which was held in private. Instead he gave general statements about 'change' and the party being a 'broad church', saying he wanted to ensure 'everyone is valued, seen and listened to'. One Labour MP told the Daily Mail that Mr Burnham - who is being 'crowned' without even a vote of activists - was 'enjoying his honeymoon period'. Andy Burnham has been given a reality check by Tony Blair as he is cheered into Downing Street by fawning Labour MPs They added: 'Some of the questions seemed planted; they were mostly from MPs who had already declared they support him.' At his summer reception last night, Sir Tony - Labour's most successful leader - had a warning for his successor. Asked what advice he would have given himself before entering No10, Mr Blair said: 'I think you may think you're going to be loved, but you're not going to be.' The former prime minister also stressed the importance of Mr Burnham maintaining a strong relationship with the US 'whoever is president', and warned him away from Ed Miliband's net-zero policies. Sir Tony - who appointed Mr Burnham to his Government the last time he was an MP - said: 'I wish Andy well. I hope he succeeds. It's important for the country he succeeds. And actually, as a colleague, he was great as well.' He added that Mr Burnham was 'a genuinely people person' and the type of politician who 'loves humanity in general'. Mr Burnham last night formally crested the 323 nominations from MPs needed to become leader and PM without a formal contest. After getting 322 endorsements last week, he racked up another 26 yesterday - meaning there are not enough MPs left undeclared for anyone to get the 81 needed to stand. He will formally become Labour leader on Friday, and PM on Monday.  Ministers and MPs have been frantically jockeying for jobs in the new administration, with Ed Miliband hoping to be made chancellor despite alarm in some quarters over his 'Soviet' views. However, there is still widespread concern about a lack of clarity on what Mr Burnham will do with his new power – obtained without even the approval of Labour members, let alone the general public. He is said to be plotting a 'mega-Budget' in the Autumn, combining a major fiscal package with a full spending review. Sir Tony cautioned the incoming premier that he is ' not going to be loved' when he takes over from Keir Starmer Fears are mounting about a new tax raid focused on the 'wealthy' South, with allies pushing proposals including a land tax, council tax revaluation and enhanced mansion tax to fund a splurge on council housing and public control of utilities. Mr Burnham has not fleshed out any tax or spending plans beyond a commitment to stick to the Labour manifesto and increase devolution. Despite his colleagues' frenzied rush to vow loyalty, the former Cabinet minister has almost no mandate from the public.  He did not stand on Labour's election-winning mandate in 2024 and the 25,000 voters who backed him in the Makerfield by-election represent just 0.05 per cent of the British electorate.