Talking Politics

Is the 'Burnham bounce' over - or here to stay?

August 6, 2026·29 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Andy Burnham has only been prime minister for a little over two weeks - but has already made an impression with his very different style of leadership to Sir Keir Starmer and raft of policies relating to the cost of living, social care, and more. He appears to have initially benefited from a bounce in the opinion polls, leading to some speculation about whether he will call an early general election. But how much of his plans actually stand up to scrutiny - particularly his proposals for devolution? And is the 'Burnham bounce' real or, with unfavourable headlines on the prisoner early release scheme dominating this week, is the honeymoon period already over? And does it give Reform UK and Nigel Farage the chance to bounce back? Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss on this week's Talking Politics.

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