Trump Labels UK’s Potential Next PM Andy Burnham ‘Extremely Liberal’ as Labour Leadership Transition Takes Shape

President Donald Trump has weighed in for the first time on Britain’s likely next prime minister, describing Labour leader-in-waiting Andy Burnham as “extremely liberal” and suggesting their differences over energy policy could complicate relations between Washington and London.

Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, Trump said he knew little about Burnham personally but immediately linked the British politician to the party’s stance on climate and energy.

“I don’t know anything. I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a town,” Trump said when asked about Burnham. “I hear he’s extremely liberal, extremely, so that means he probably won’t open up the North Sea.”

The remarks came just days after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation following mounting political pressure after weak polling numbers and disappointing local election results.

Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and now the only declared candidate to replace Starmer as Labour leader, is widely expected to become Britain’s next prime minister once the leadership process concludes.

Trump used the exchange to criticize Britain’s energy policies once again, repeating his long-held argument that the United Kingdom should expand oil and gas production in the North Sea rather than rely heavily on renewable energy. “I gave Keir Starmer some pretty good advice,” Trump said. “I said, open up the North Sea.”

The U.S. president has frequently argued that Britain is failing to capitalize on its offshore oil and gas reserves, contending that greater fossil fuel production would strengthen the country’s economy and energy security.

Trump has also criticized Starmer’s support for renewable energy initiatives, particularly offshore wind projects. Burnham has generally supported Labour’s commitment to the country’s net zero emissions targets while advocating for industrial investment and economic growth in northern England.

Burnham has previously been openly critical of Trump. Following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Burnham condemned the events and said that “Any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now.”

Relations between Washington and London have already been strained in recent months despite Starmer’s efforts to maintain close ties with the Trump administration. While Starmer sought to strengthen bilateral relations after taking office, disagreements surfaced over Britain’s initial reluctance to allow the United States to use British military bases during operations involving Iran, though London later granted authorization.

Burnham enters the leadership contest after years as one of Labour’s best-known figures. He previously served in several Cabinet positions under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown before becoming mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017, a role that raised his national profile during the COVID-19 pandemic and cemented his reputation as one of Labour’s most influential regional leaders.