Andy Burnham smiled as the opening chords of New Order’s True Faith echoed around the room.
Moments after being confirmed as leader of the Labour Party last Friday, he clapped and dad-danced with supporters as the 1980s anthem became the soundtrack to his victory.
For a politician who had endured two failed bids for the Labour leadership, the Manchester band’s lyrics – “I used to think that the day would never come” – captured the sense of persistence, disappointment and eventual triumph that has defined his political journey.
Shorts
For more than a year, Burnham’s allies had been preparing for his arrival in Downing Street. This week, the planning ended and the reality of government began.
