Tom Baldwin

Andy Burnham is enjoying an initial honeymoon as prime minister after using informal, personal social-media content to connect with voters and bypass hostile coverage. However, rightwing newspapers and online platforms are already attacking him, while AI-generated misinformation and algorithm-driven outrage threaten to distort public debate. Baldwin argues that Burnham's limited access for lobby journalists and apparent manipulation of reshuffle briefings risk alienating responsible Westminster media. Social media may strengthen his connection with the public, but he will need greater transparency, resilience and trusted relationships with journalists when political conditions worsen.