‘Up the Mackems!’ - Andy Burnham social media post teasing Newcastle United resurfaces
New UK prime minister Andy Burnham did not hide his Sunderland preference over Newcastle United in July 2024.
Andy Burnham was drafted in as prime minister just over 48 hours ago but he might have already annoyed the Tyneside region.
The economy, cost-of-living crisis, the NHS, immigration and international conflicts are all issues that Burnham finds planted on his desk as he steps into Downing Street. However, an internet footprint predating his new-found power lasts forever.
Deleting is cheating - and it is clear where his North East loyalties lie. A post on X has resurfaced from July 2024 as polling stations closed and the country waited for the results of the general election.
Forget historical civil war conflicts or on-field footballing rivalry, the Tyne-Wear derby has taken to a new arena in recent decades - which city will confirm their vote first. Prominent Sunderland social media account Roker Report shared Burnham’s comments on Sky News joking how he “always wants” Sunderland to beat Newcastle United.
Burnham - then serving as the Mayor of Greater Manchester - responded to the post the following day. Still jubilant after Labour’s victory, he wrote: “Up the Mackems! England’s No.1” - referencing Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Up the Mackems! 💪🏻#EnglandsNo1
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) July 5, 2024
The prime minister is a lifelong Toffee, the club Pickford joined after leaving Sunderland in 2017. Newcastle fans have rediscovered Burnham’s comments now he is the man leading the country.
An underwhelming start to the transfer window has resulted in the Magpies losing stars like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. The recent arrival at No.10 - if these comments are anything to go by - will do little to lift the spirits at St James' Park.