Burnham: straight-talker or loose cannon?

About this episode

Is Andy Burnham's habit of speaking off the cuff getting him into trouble? From Brexit interference and Scottish independence to Manchester City, the prime minister's impromptu interventions are making headlines. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to discuss whether Burnham's style is an asset or liability. Plus, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Number 10, the Liberal Democrats are growing restless with their leader, and public policy editor Chris Smyth brings us the latest on the government's welfare reforms. Follow Lucy on X or Bluesky @LOS_Fisher, @lucyfisher.ft.com; Chris: @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social; Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Want more? Russia ‘interfered’ in 2016 Brexit vote, says Andy Burnham One in 6 UK disability benefit claimants should not receive cash, says think-tank Young people to receive less cash but more job support under Milburn welfare plan How the Greens lost their party to the hard left EU leaders to urge Zelenskyy to rein in criticism of Trump Are t