But when it comes to the biggest issues prime ministers have to deal with – security, global power or the country’s long-term economic stability, we may yet to see whether Burnham’s ambitions for the No 10 position are accompanied by truly new big ideas that match the scale of his rhetoric.
The right in the Labor Party is concerned that Burnham has not grasped the reality of the country’s economic situation – years of stuttering growth and sky-high debt levels that leave Britain incredibly vulnerable to the judgments of financial markets, whether he likes it or not.
And the left is worried that he has tickled their bellies with promises of “real Labour”, flirting with ideas for greater government control over vital industries that may not materialise. And like most new prime ministers, he has very little experience leading international events. The moments in our interview when he was least confident were when he answered questions about how he would handle relationships with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
One minister said that he “will be left, but will govern from the center.” Perhaps, as he has tried to give businesses and families “breathing space” when it comes to the cost of living, he will ask the public for “breathing space” before his full agenda becomes clear.
Burnham has long been known as an unusual politician – a leader who managed to become popular at a time when politicians are often disappointing and sometimes scorned. He knows he is embarking on a job that has been marked by failure for a decade. As he told me, “I have a responsibility not to be someone who just doesn’t make a difference.” He belongs to a political generation that he says is “simply not good enough.”
Remember, he also had his fair share of failures in his own career. It took Burnham three attempts to become leader of his party. When he arrived, straightening his tie, to be confirmed for the top job in central London 10 days ago, I asked him why he had waited so long.
He laughed and told me, “I like to attract attention.”
Andy Burnham has now truly arrived. But he knows too well: not everywhere he goes there will be applause.
Look Panorama Andy Burnham: Interview with Laura Kuenssberg on iPlayer now and beyond BBC One at 20:00 BST on Monday 27 July 2026