Andy Burnham has taken an incredibly enthusiastic approach to social media – so much so that he seems to spend more time answering questions on Reddit than he does from journalists. It’s fair to say the MP for Makerfield’s digital output has been far superior to that of Sir Keir Starmer. His videos are slicker, more entertaining and have a quality of authenticity that the outgoing Prime Minister’s categorically do not.
But now it seems poor Andy may be riding the social media wave a little too hard and fast. At 11 a.m. this morning, he posted a video from inside the parliamentary estate, explaining that he had ‘just been in to nominate myself’ for Labour leader, before adding that it would be ‘hopefully third time lucky’. A smiling Burnham explained that ‘it’s all starting to feel very real’, with his coronation set to be confirmed tonight.
But the video may have backfired a tad, because MPs are not actually allowed to film content in public areas of the parliamentary estate without the express permission of Commons authorities.
A House of Commons spokesperson said: ‘Unauthorised photography or filming is not permitted on the Parliamentary estate. Where it is seen or reported to be happening, the individual in question will be asked to stop and reminded of the rules. Where breaches are observed or reported, the Serjeant at Arms will discuss with (or write to) the Member involved to confirm the rules.’
Mr S understands the Serjeant at Arms is indeed planning to read the riot act to Burnham and remind him which spots he can use to flaunt himself for the socials. Perhaps not quite the reel deal, then.
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