Donald Trump has shared his initial public thoughts on Andy Burnham, characterizing him as an “extremely liberal” politician who is unlikely to approve new oil and gas drilling projects in the North Sea. Trump also referred to the former Greater Manchester mayor, who is currently the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, simply as “the mayor of a town.” Representatives for Burnham have opted not to respond to the US president’s remarks.
As the newly elected MP for Makerfield, Burnham is currently the sole candidate aiming to lead the Labour Party. Trump’s recent comments highlight the significant challenges Burnham might face in managing relations with the US president should he assume the premiership. Throughout his tenure as Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham has largely refrained from weighing in on foreign policy, preferring to focus on the domestic issues that defined his lengthy career as a Labour minister and shadow minister.
Some of Burnham’s supporters hope he will maintain this domestic focus if he reaches Downing Street, despite global pressures. The UK is set to host the G20 summit next year and the G7 the following year, both of which would require interaction with Trump. Burnham has a history of criticizing Trump; in 2017, he stated he would refuse to meet the president as a matter of principle over online content concerns. He also demanded that then-Prime Minister Theresa May cancel a planned state visit. Furthermore, following the 2021 US Capitol riots, Burnham remarked on social media that any UK politician who engaged with Trump should feel ashamed, and he previously jokingly blamed the president for American crowds at the Ryder Cup.
Despite this history of condemnation, some Labour officials have successfully established ties with Trump’s circle, such as Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s friendship with Vice President JD Vance. When asked about Burnham’s potential path to Downing Street, Trump remarked that he was aware of his background as a town mayor and suggested that his “extremely liberal” stance would likely prevent the expansion of North Sea energy exploration. Trump has frequently criticized the current UK government for prioritizing renewable energy over fossil fuels.
A key decision awaiting the next leader is the approval of the Jackdaw gas field near Aberdeen and the Rosebank project near the Shetland Isles. While Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated a desire to utilize North Sea resources, it is unclear if she would remain in that role under a Burnham administration. Trump claimed he had previously advised Sir Keir Starmer to expand North Sea drilling to restore the region’s status as a top oil hub, a move he described as essential. Meanwhile, debates continue, with Greenpeace arguing that new drilling would not reduce energy bills but would increase emissions, while Conservative politicians argue that such projects are vital for job creation and national energy security.
