At a small memorial for the poet Tony Harrison in Salts Mill, Shipley, Andy Burnham delivered a speech that revealed a rare depth in modern politics. The event, attended by actors, writers, and directors, showcased Burnham’s personal connection to literature. It was a reminder that a prime minister with an English degree could bring a unique empathy and intellectual rigor to Number 10.
Burnham was introduced to Harrison’s poem “V” as a sixth-former by an English teacher. The poem, set in a Leeds graveyard, became infamous after the Conservative MP Gerald Howarth tried to ban its broadcast for using four-letter words. The Daily Mail called it a “torrent of filth,” but to the teenage Burnham, it was proof that a working-class background need not silence you.
How Poetry Changed Burnham’s Path
The poem’s epigraph from Arthur Scargill reads: “My father still reads the dictionary every day. He says your life depends on your power to master words.” Burnham used this quote to convince his skeptical father that studying English at university had value. He went on to attend Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, proving that humanities degrees open doors rather than close them.
Politicians with English literature degrees are rare. In the 2019 election, only 4% of MPs had such a background. Steve Witherden, a Labour MP in Wales, didn’t learn to read until he was 11, making his English degree from Lampeter a triumph. Others argue that studying literature fosters broad-mindedness and empathy.
Burnham’s Vision for Leadership
Burnham is robust about his degree’s value. He believes that knowledge of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Orwell, and Harrison helps him connect with voters. In 2015, he even confessed to wondering whether he might write poems himself “when politics has run its course.” This reflects a prime minister who values creativity alongside policy.
If Burnham ever writes something literary, he would join a distinguished line of MPs and prime ministers. Benjamin Disraeli famously said, “When I want to read a novel, I write one.” Winston Churchill won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1953. Others include Alan Johnson, Rory Stewart, and even the fiction of Jeffrey Archer and Edwina Currie.
Why Humanities Matter in Politics
Burnham’s career demonstrates that a humanities degree is not a disqualification for high office. The number of young people studying English, history, or languages at university has declined, yet leaders with such backgrounds often show greater empathy and communication skills. A prime minister shaped by poetry may approach complex issues with nuance and humanity.
For example, Burnham’s understanding of Harrison’s “V” helps him grasp class divides and the power of words. In a political landscape dominated by soundbites, a leader who values literature could foster deeper public discourse. This is especially relevant as the UK faces challenges in education, social cohesion, and cultural identity.
Key Traits of a Poet-Politician
- Empathy: Literature trains the mind to see multiple perspectives.
- Communication: Poetry teaches precision and emotional resonance.
- Resilience: Studying challenging texts builds intellectual toughness.
Burnham’s speech at the memorial was not just a tribute to Harrison but a blueprint for a different kind of leadership. In an era of political polarization, a prime minister with an English degree might bridge divides and inspire a nation weary of empty rhetoric.
FAQ: Andy Burnham’s Literary Background and Leadership
What poem inspired Andy Burnham?
Burnham was inspired by Tony Harrison’s poem “V,” which explores class, language, and identity. The poem’s epigraph from Arthur Scargill emphasizes the power of mastering words.
How common are English literature degrees among MPs?
Only 4% of MPs elected in 2019 had an English literature degree. This makes Burnham part of a small but influential group of politicians with humanities backgrounds.
Could Andy Burnham become prime minister?
Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a prominent Labour figure. His unique blend of political experience and literary sensibility could appeal to voters seeking a thoughtful, empathetic leader.
