Andy Burnham will deliver his first speech as prime minister at the Labour party conference on Tuesday, and in a recent conversation with Guardian political editor Pippa Crerar he set out why he took the job and the changes he hopes to pursue.
On the Politics Weekly podcast, Crerar and fellow political correspondent Kiran Stacey discussed Burnham’s comments and noted an unexpectedly emotional tone to parts of the interview. The pair explored what his personal reflections might signal about his priorities and leadership style as he prepares to address delegates.
The podcast conversation focused both on the substance of Burnham’s stated aims and on the feeling inside this year’s conference. Crerar and Stacey discussed how his account of why he is in office and the changes he wants to make could play out politically, and how delegates and colleagues are responding in real time.
Listeners and readers were invited to contribute to the conversation: the hosts asked for comments and questions to be sent to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com, continuing the programme’s engagement with its audience as the conference unfolds.
The discussion comes as attention turns to Burnham’s formal remarks on Tuesday, which will be watched closely for further detail on his agenda and tone in office. The podcast offered an early window into his approach and the atmosphere around the party as it gathers for its annual conference.