As a now long-in-the-tooth PR man, I was delighted to see the professionalism of the orchestrated entry of Andy Burnham when he arrived at Downing Street to take on the premiership. It took me, and no doubt many, back to that heady day in May 1998 when Tony and Cherie Blair made the same journey. A great crowd of Labour supporters had been assembled to greet the Blairs. The pictures went worldwide. “A new dawn has broken” said Blair, thus casting the previous 19 years of Conservative rule into the dustbin of history. Burnham’s 21st century equivalent line was that his elevation to the premiership marked: “The moment we bring back hope.”

Labour under Blair went on to win three general elections in succession. The Burnham symbolism was clear. Steady, dependable, government was back. The big crowd assembled by his team also sent a message that Labour is now a united party and, in contrast to Keir Starmer, that Burnham has lots of friends who support him, their smiles conveying optimism.

I watched the crowning of “The King of the North,” as Burnham has been named, on ITV. Its seasoned and highly experience Tom Bradby gushed with praise for Burnham’s words. He seemed slightly put out when ITV Political Editor Robert Peston doggedly maintained his neutrality and refused to endorse Burham with similar enthusiasm. But make no mistake, a truly professional politician now occupies No 10.

Personally, I wish him well and believe there’s a big public appetite to see him succeed. His core........

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