Andy Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister | Can the King of the North rule Britain?

Today we launch the Mancunian Way podcast. Each week, we’ll be calling on our expert reporters to analyse and discuss Greater Manchester’s biggest stories and those that set the national agenda. Join Manchester Evening News journalist Beth Abbit as she examines the most important stories happening here and explains why the rest of the country needs to pay attention. The podcast is an accompanying piece to our free, daily newsletter - where we analyse the latest news around the city-region and the issues that sometimes get lost in the news cycle, as well as those which are unique to Manchester. And there is no bigger story in Britain right now than our departing mayor taking the reins as the new Prime Minister. Andy Burnham is promising a radical shake-up: building "Number 10 North" right here to take power away from Whitehall and finally decentralise the UK. But how much of this vision was forged right here on our streets? What lessons is he taking from his time as Mayor to Downing Street, and can a leader who re-wired our region, re-wire the entire nation? In the first podcast episode, Beth is joined by M.E.N Editor in Chief Sarah Lester and Features and Perspectives Editor Rob Williams to reflect on his first few days in charge. As Rob reflects in our first episode, the new Prime Minister managed to get Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn in his corner on his first day. But how will his premiership unfold? And how will this English graduate and former “wannabe journalist” charm the country and use his experience as mayor of Greater Manchester to shape the trajectory of Britain? “He doesn't think he can solve the problems, he in himself absolutely believes he can solve the problems,” says Sarah, on the podcast. “And he takes with him some hope and an ability to communicate that has been lacking, and an ability to communicate the issues. Now, it might be that in a few years' time we're having the same, or even a few months' time, the same conversation and it's not worked out. “But he looked me in the eyes and I thought, "You are absolutely certain!" There's no doubt in his head that he can do things better, and he can make Britain better. There's no room for doubt.” LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE #uknews #ukpolitics #andyburnham