Bolton residents react to Andy Burnham becoming PM

Andy Burnham became PM after succeeding Sir Keir Starmer, promising to tackle rough sleeping, ease the cost of living, and deliver a new economic direction for the country.

Residents in Bolton have now shared what they hope his government will achieve, while questioning how his promises will be delivered.

Adrian Yapp said: “So far, what I’ve heard, it’s the same old. He’s picking up a mess, promised a lot, so did the previous, but he has a hard job.

“Every department needs money, railroads need money, education needs money, and defence. Where’s it going to come from? I’ve not heard any of that yet.”

Adrian Yapp (Image: NQ)

Mr Yapp said he believed Mr Burnham had performed well during his time leading Greater Manchester.

He pointed to job creation and Mr Burnham’s leadership during the Covid pandemic as positives, while wishing him success in his new role.

He added: “I thought he did a great job as mayor, created a lot of jobs, excellent in Covid, and he did a great job.

“I wish him well as I would wish anyone well in a new job and gets it right.”

Marian Kitchen and Darren Wilcott also said they wanted to give the new prime minister time before judging him.

Marian Kitchen and Darren Wilcott (Image: NQ)

Ms Kitchen and Mr Wilcott said: “Give him a chance, he can’t do worse than Starmer or Boris Johnson.

“He did alright for Manchester with the buses and things like that.”

Sofiya Mishkinite said she hoped Mr Burnham would improve life for people across the country.

She said: “It’s heavily corrupt with people arguing over small things. I hope he fixes things, makes things a lot better and stable.

“I hope he pays attention to the public and how the public is affected, as well as making things come back to normal.

(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

“I want him to he improve equality; I just hope he really helps people see that people need equality, and to bring back peace.”

Mr Burnham used his first day as prime minister to pledge action on rough sleeping, saying he wanted to end it as soon as he can.

He also promised further measures on the cost of living later this week, with more details expected on support for families.