As Labour struggles under Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham has emerged as the charismatic, emotionally intelligent figure who many believe is the only person who can halt Reform’s rise, wites Dani Garavelli

The first time I remember properly taking notice of Andy Burnham, — and I’m sure this will be the same for many people — was in 2009 when his speech on behalf of the Labour government on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster was interrupted by thousands of Liverpool fans singing “Justice for the 96.” I watched that footage over and over trying to work out what it was about his reaction that made it so potent.

There was something in the way he silently acknowledged the crowd — the way he let its anger run through him — that marked him out as different.

There was no defensiveness there, no outward sign that he wished himself safely back in London, no attempt to justify his government’s failings. When he left Anfield, he took that anger with him, going on to amplify the families’ calls for accountability, and championing the Hillsborough Law.

You could call it emotional intelligence, this ability to intimate, with the slightest nod of his head, solidarity with those who were unleashing their frustration. You could call it empathy. Or relatability. But whatever you call it, it’s a quality Burnham possesses in abundance, and aloof, technocratic, process-obsessed Keir Starmer lacks.

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