Andy Burnham, the Labour lawmaker widely expected to replace Keir Starmer as U.K. prime minister, has repeatedly criticized Donald Trump and warned that Trump-style politics fuels "a polarized, poisonous" public life. Burnham has argued that populists such as Trump and Nigel Farage have tapped into real voter grievances, even as their rhetoric contributes to instability. His remarks suggest he views the rise of a new radical right as rooted in inequality and establishment failings.
What Has Britain’s Likely Next Prime Minister Said About Donald Trump?
What has Britain's likely next prime minister said about Trump?
London — Andy Burnham, a Labour MP widely tipped to become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister, has a record of criticizing former U.S. president Donald Trump and warning that Trump-style politics risks exporting instability and polarization.
Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he would resign after disastrous local elections in May and a wave of resignations from his government. Because Labour still holds a substantial majority in the U.K. Parliament after the 2024 general election, the party will select Starmer’s successor; Burnham is widely expected to be the frontrunner and could take office in the coming weeks.
What Has Burnham Said About Trump?
In short: he has not been complimentary. Burnham has repeatedly warned about trends he associates with Trump-style politics and with the broader rise of right-wing populism.
The new Member of the British Parliament (MP) for Makerfield, Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, reacts as he attends his swearing-in ceremony at the House of Commons in London, England, June 22, 2026. / Credit: House of Commons/Handout/REUTERS
"A Polarized, Poisonous Politics"
On the campaign trail in June he warned:
"The path we're on, if we are not careful, is a path towards the politics of the United States of America."He did not name Mr. Trump in that remark, but he described the U.S. as facing "a polarized, poisonous politics where people in communities don't work together anymore."
In an interview with The London Economic about Trump’s reelection prospects and the rise of right-wing, populist parties in Europe, Burnham said: "I think we now have to have a real debate about what that means and the instability that [former prime minister] Liz Truss brought to Britain, I think Trump is bringing to the U.S. and the world."
In a 2024 book he co-authored, Burnham wrote: "Whether we like it or not, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage have been effective in connecting with people who feel politicians have neglected the place where they live." That comment acknowledges the electoral appeal of populists even as Burnham criticizes their rhetoric and impact.
A photo posted online by British politician Nigel Farage on Nov. 12, 2016 shows him standing with Donald Trump at Trump Tower in Manhattan after a private meeting with the then-U.S. president-elect. / Credit: Nigel Farage/Twitter
Reacting to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Burnham posted on X: "Any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now."
What It Means
Burnham’s comments combine two threads: a sharp critique of the destabilizing effects he attributes to Trump-style politics, and a recognition that populist leaders have tapped into genuine grievances among voters who feel neglected by the political establishment. If Burnham becomes prime minister, those views could shape how he frames U.K.-U.S. dialogue on democracy, trade and global stability — though practical diplomacy would likely lead to measured, issue-by-issue engagement.
CBS News sought comment from the White House about Burnham’s remarks but did not receive an immediate reply.
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