Andy Burnham needs to deliver more than selfies and sound bites

Andy Burnham's recent actions have raised concerns about his ability to deliver more than superficial hashtags and sound bites. While he has been seen exchanging messages with someone posing as Donald Trump's chief of staff, most likely on social media, the lack of shock stems from his tendency to connect through digital platforms. It's a habit that has become all too familiar for Burnham, who seems to be constantly glued to his mobile screen, ready to voice opinions and take selfies.

His administration's focus on populism and pleasing all the people at all times appears to be a recurring theme. This is evident through his relentless barrage of TikTok videos and photo opportunities, such as announcing business rate reductions for pubs. However, the cuts are minimal, and no pub will be saved from closure as a result.

The same applies to his attempts to address the state of high street retailing and the closure of shops like vape shops and barbers. The bigger issue, which he fails to address, is the underlying causes of shop closures.

Burnham's approach to matters like bakers returning to the scene appears to lack a deeper understanding of the problem. Instead of tackling the root causes, he is content with a few catchy headlines and social media posts. Similarly, when it comes to issues like homelessness and social care, Burnham's efforts seem more focused on photography opportunities and social media footage rather than tangible solutions.

The Prime Minister's office has opened an office in Manchester with a backdrop reminiscent of the famous black door, further emphasizing the administration's desire to be seen as active and busy. However, there is a significant disconnect between the actions taken and the actual impact they have on the issues at hand. For example, Rayner's initiative to use land around railway stations for homes is unlikely to solve the UK's housing crisis, yet it remains a headline-grabbing initiative.

Burnham's administration's efforts to appear active and engaged, particularly in comparison to Keir Starmer, may have resonated with Labour MPs who elected him. His dynamic personality and relatability have been seen as a breath of fresh air after Starmer. However, as his tenure progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that being a leader is about more than just having a good personality.

It's about delivering on significant issues, avoiding being all mouth and no trousers. So far, Burnham's actions seem to fall short of this expectation.