Andrew Marr

Andy Burnham’s success in communicating directly with voters through social media is presented as a challenge to newspapers, broadcasters and the political-journalism profession. The column argues that online analysis and politician-produced video are filling roles once performed by television, while scoop journalism remains important. Personal reflections from Paris criticise tourists’ dependence on smartphones, and the destruction caused by French and Spanish wildfires prompts questions about the compatibility of North Sea oil and gas drilling with climate risks. The piece concludes with reflections on anti-war arguments in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Carlo Rovelli’s warning that nuclear deterrence and fear of adversaries are bringing humanity closer to catastrophe.

Andy Burnham’s first day as prime minister is depicted as chaotic but potentially hopeful, with the writer expressing a personal desire for him to succeed despite early cabinet tensions and an emerging Starmerite briefing operation. Reflections on John Prescott, Neil Kinnock, David Blunkett and Margaret Beckett connect political character to working-class hardship and resilience. The piece concludes with enthusiastic praise for Hurvin Anderson’s Tate Britain exhibition and the renewed energy brought to contemporary painting by Black and Arab artists.

Senior Labour figures express growing frustration with Keir Starmer’s leadership style, citing abrupt dismissals and declining support despite his insistence on staying in place. Wes Streeting is viewed as confident, while tensions within Labour rise. Kemi Badenoch gains ground in Conservative circles with messaging seen as mainstream on the right. The column shifts to cultural reflections on Bermondsey’s revival, a tribute to former MI6 chief Alex Younger, and impressions from a Longborough Festival Opera performance of Handel’s Orlando.