Behind the scenes at number 10 when Andy Burnham became Prime Minister

But when it comes to the most pressing issues prime ministers have to deal with – security, power, or the country’s long-term economic stability – we might see Burnham’s desire to pick No 10 accompanied by genuinely new big ideas that match the balance of his rhetoric.

Burnham fears the reality of the country’s economic position – years of stuttering growth and sky-high debts – will leave the UK vulnerable to the judgment of financial markets whether it likes it or not, on the right of the Labor Party.

And concerns on the left, fattened by the prospect of “real labor,” flirting with the idea of ​​increased government control of vital industries, but that may not come. And like most prime ministers, he has little experience of handling international events. His least sure-footed moments in our interview were answering questions about how he manages his relationship with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

“There will be shaking, but I will manage from the center,” said one minister. Perhaps he is trying to give companies and families “breathing space” in relation to the cost of living, and he will ask the public for “breathing space” before the full program becomes clear.

Burnham has been unusual as a politician – a leader who has risen to prominence in a time when politicians are often discouraged and sometimes despised. He knows he is entering a career that has seen him fail for ten years. As he told me, “It’s up to me not to be someone else who doesn’t change things.” He is part of a political generation that proclaims, “Enough is not enough.”

Remember, his own career also had many failures. It took Burnham three runs to become the leader of his party. I asked him how long it took, as soon as he arrived, to be confirmed with a top job in central London 10 days ago.

“I love making intros,” he said with a laugh.

Andy Burnham has really arrived now. But he knows very well, there will be no applause wherever he goes.

Look Panorama Andy Burnham: Interview with Laura Kuensberg on iPlayer From 06:00BST, and on BBC One 27 June 2026 at 20:00 BST.