In The Room

Andy Burnham week one: promises, pitfalls and the prison problem

July 24, 2026·35 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Andy Burnham has survived his first week. The former Manchester mayor turned prime minister is now in his spiritual home – No.10 North – after repeatedly calling it the best day of his life. It's been a week of 6am policy drops, wall-to-wall coverage and Burnham firmly at the centre of every story. But Helen and Cleo aren't just here to admire the opening moves. They want to know whether the presidential style is already tipping into hubris, what the prison U-turn actually signals about the government underneath the announcements – and perhaps most importantly of all… why does he keep hugging everybody?Executive Producer: Rod ArdehaliProducer: Sam DurhamVideo Editor: Vali RazaFind the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.Email your questions to Helen and Cleo on intheroom@independent.co.uk.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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