The 70-year-old mingled with Burnham's friends, family and new staff outside the iconic residence, even hugging the new PM, but unknowingly attracting a barrage of questions.

The former mayor of Manchester’s entry into Downing Street will mark the climax of a steep ascent for a politician who until last month wasn’t even an MP. | World News

Hearing from allies of incoming prime minister Andy Burnham, Dan Haygarth tracks the year that saw the mayor of Greater Manchester set his sights on Number 10