Andy Burnham discusses the ‘Burnham bounce’ in the polls

Andy Burnham has discussed the ‘Burnham bounce’ in the polls, saying that he is pleased to have ‘kind of made the start where hopefully I’ve connected with people’, after opinion polls showed a jump in support for the Labour Party.

Burnham took over as Prime Minister from Keir Starmer last week, vowing bold and radical change to Britain’s political and economic system and the biggest shakeup in 40 years, as he pledged to re-wire Britain and tackle the cost of living crisis.

Within days of coming to power, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester set out a policy blitz including a cap on bus fares, a cut to VAT on electricity bills and an end to rough sleeping. He is expected to set out further measures soon as Labour regains the momentum against Reform.

In a major boost to Burnham, Labour has now overtaken Reform in the latest poll of voting intention, giving it the largest lead since March 2025.

The poll, carried out by More in Common, between 24-27 July, put Labour on 28%, up four points, while Reform are 24%, down two points.

That the poll was carried out after Burnham became Prime Minister will be welcome news for the new PM.

Sky’s Sam Coates quizzed Burnham about the ‘Burnham bounce in the polls’, and asked, ‘but you do know what goes up can come down?’

Burnham said he wouldn’t get carried away by any poll saying he was pleased to have connected with people.

He added: “I am talking a lot about Britain believing again and getting its hope back and I’m not going to apologise for that and I think we should have a bit more of a spring in our step.”

Burnham once more reiterated his pledge to bring about growth in every postcode, support for high streets across the country and to do more on the big challenges such as social care, youth unemployment and housing.