If I were an early odds-on favourite to be Labour leader…

Andy Burnham’s attempts are more Nicola Murray than Malcolm Tucker

It is often cited that the man who seeks power is usually the least suited to it. Now a man who has, for years, spoken of the role of a politician as an elected and responsible trustee of the people, has the chance at that very power. How refreshing.

It is surprising, however, how the mainstream media has evolved during the election. Today, for instance, many national news websites declare a mass shadow cabinet walk-out in the event of a Corbyn victory — the source being leadership rival and former odds-on favourite, Andy Burnham.

Any who leave will close the door on any shred of credibility, after kicking their way out of the proverbial shadow cabinet pram. Corbyn’s success is validated by his many years as a backbench left-winger, disagreeing with the party’s policy selection and rebelling against many leaders, on many occasions. But now, here he is at the top — how could any Blairites have the front to leave after swatting this old socialist away for so many years?

Burnham went on to suggest that a Corbyn Labour would be a “disaster”, with fears the public would believe they had “given up on ever being a government again.”

The dull candidate did manage to add (in a conversation with an “undercover The Sun journalist”) that Burnham was a “nice man” and “not a fraud” before suggesting that he would definitely serve in a Corbyn shadow cabinet.

Top “undercover reporting” from The Sun, who it is well known are particularly cautious in this day and age after their attrocious backlog of clandestine efforts.

Now, if I were a former-odds-on-favourite, is there anything more perfect I could say about the former-longshot to an “undercover journalist”?

£10 says Burnham rang the newsdesk himself.