The “special relationship” is facing its greatest test in years - Andy Burnham had barely unpacked in Number 10 before taking an hour-long call from President Trump to discuss football, Manchester, Nato and Trump’s favourite topic - oil.

The new Labour premier's chat with the US President was among his first tasks after entering Downing Steet on Monday.

The new Labour premier's chat with the US President was among his first tasks after entering Downing Steet on Monday.

Donald Trump previously described the new prime minister as ‘the mayor of a town’

While not always complimentary, Andy Burnham has been careful to describe Donald Trump as part of a bigger ecosystem.

Burnham said Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky would be among the first world leaders he would contact as prime minister.