Andy Burnham was inundated with backlash on Monday (June 29) after delivering a speech in Manchester, setting out his government plans for the nation should he become Prime Minister. This marked his first major speech as Sir Keir Starmer's likely successor, since launching his bid for Downing Street. The former Greater Manchester mayor shared the prospect of taking "power out of the centre" with an office in the Northern city, branded "No. 10 North."

Burnham also committed to "offering new opportunities to extend devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by taking power deeper down," but did not detail how. However, the hopeful speech sparked backlash when GB News reporter Christopher Hope took to social media to blast the politician for refusing to take questions from the press.

Here’s Makerfield MP Andy Burnham leaving by a side entrance moments after his speech today. I think it is appalling that he would not take questions from us journalists. He will be made Prime Minister of our country three weeks today. More coverage and analysis at @GBNEWS. pic.twitter.com/B97bNb3guM

Alongside a clip of Burnham entering his vehicle and exiting the premises by the back door, the reporter wrote: "Here’s Makerfield MP Andy Burnham leaving by a side entrance moments after his speech today. I think it is appalling that he would not take questions from us journalists.

"He will be made Prime Minister of our country three weeks from today. More coverage and analysis at @GBNEWS." Fans soon swarmed to the comments to share their fury, as one fumed: "Labour are always dodging questions and scrutiny, as they’re terrified of being exposed for what they are ... as Christopher says, this is appalling."

"Of course, he doesn’t want to answer questions…in his position, it’s the least worst political option," added a second. As another Brit remarked: "Oh great, another coward."

One questioned: "Why does he sneak out the back door and avoid all scrutiny? I bet it’s because it doesn’t stack up and the journalists would highlight all the holes in his utopian 'hope in every heart'."

Reform UK's Richard Tice also took aim at Burnham's press snub, blasting: "Burnham’s coup is well underway. Big speech today with no questions from journalists. No debate in Parliament. No scrutiny from MPs until September. Power without accountability. It's an outrage."

Burnham's team blamed the timing for his refusal to take questions, as he was heading to Westminster in the afternoon. During his speech, the Makerfield MP also outlined his "10-year mission," in which he vowed to raise living standards across the country.

The politician said: "To this, No. 10 North will support the regions on three clear tasks: reform of essential utilities, reindustrialisation and the regeneration of places.” It would mean regions being able to take "greater public control of essential services like water, housing, energy, and transport".