In the summer of 2010, Andy Burnham, then Labour’s shadow health secretary, discussed his political ambitions and personal life during an interview in his Westminster office. The conversation ranged from his support for X Factor judge Cheryl Cole to his past relationships and celebrity acquaintances.
Political Context and Leadership Race
Burnham was preparing to enter the race to replace Gordon Brown as Labour leader, competing against Ed and David Miliband, Ed Balls, and Diane Abbott. At the time, Labour had recently lost power, and Burnham sought to present himself as both personable and capable.
Personal Revelations and Celebrity Ties
During the interview, Burnham openly discussed his past, boasting about his popularity with women and recounting awkward encounters with ex-girlfriends while canvassing. He also invited the interviewer to inspect his famously long eyelashes, which had earned him the nickname “Make-Up Minister.”
Burnham’s celebrity connections were another topic. He claimed close friendships with David Beckham, Simon Cowell, and Wayne Rooney, and later campaigned with actors Hugh Grant and Steve Coogan. His ties to the entertainment world extended to musicians like Liam Gallagher and Guy Garvey, whose song One Day Like This featured in a campaign video.
Lifestyle and Public Image
Burnham described his younger self as a partygoer at Manchester’s Hacienda nightclub, emphasizing his love for music and alcohol but denying any involvement with drugs. After losing the Labour leadership race to Ed Miliband, he later joked about planning Miliband’s stag do, suggesting a pub crawl along London’s Circle Line.
