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The News Agents

The News Agents

Burnham's best mate on what the PM does now

Jul 27, 2026 · 45m

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It's hard to think of a political alliance as tightly bonded as Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram. Both northern MPs who vacated Westminster to lead their respective City regions, they have even co-authored a book - 'Head North' - which lays out their roadmap to fix Britain. Many of the words, ideas and policies Burnham has unveiled in his first week in office are all laid out in that book. It's a manifesto for fundamentally rewiring Britain, for bringing a new set of values into politics, and for bringing development and opportunity to neglected northern towns and cities. They are self-described "bezzie mates", even "brothers". So who better to speak to than Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the…