Andy Burnham’s meteoric rise to the top of British politics reminds me of Billy Connolly’s 1974 masterpiece, The Crucifixion. In this, Mr Connolly re-imagines the Last Supper as a wild lock-in session at the Saracen Head, the jaggy tavern in the heart of The Barras in Glasgow’s east end.

Near the end of this impious routine, the crowd underneath the Cross are beseeching Connolly’s ‘Big Yin’ to perform “wan ae they holy tricks”. They start to shout “Dae Somethin’! Dae Somethin’!”

Mr Burnham’s acolytes, keen to depict him as the saviour of the Labour Party, all resemble the crowd in Connolly’s epic. “Dae somethin’! Dae Somethin,” they exhort him. And this political trickster has duly obliged.

There was that cringey wee Neil Kinnock jig last week in front of the party’s fawning MPs and then his pledge to ditch the shirts and ties and replace them with black foundation garments. He discarded the Downing Street lectern.

Forget the fancy-dan football. Let's showcase the authentic Scottish experience

Steve Clarke showed class by stepping down. If only our politicians could do the same

Steve Clarke showed class by stepping down. If only our politicians could do the same

'I wonder if the Government might consider harms to us advancing codgers too'

He’ll set up a wee back office in Manchester. Did his nine years as mayor of that great city not show him that Mancunians, not known for overlooking bullshit, will see through this insulting gesture?

His first major interview after securing the party leadership was with that great political inquisitor, Gary Lineker.

As each new trick has emerged from his conjuror’s hat, it’s easy to forget that Mr Burnham has been at the heart of the New Labour........

© Herald Scotland