An ally of Andy Burnham has revealed that the incoming prime minister was once booed off stage while DJing at a party, with guests reportedly unimpressed by his "depressing" choice of music. The anecdote, shared as Burnham prepares to take over as PM, offers a lighthearted glimpse into his personal tastes, highlighting his enthusiasm for The Smiths, a band known for melancholic lyrics.

Details of the incident itself are limited, but the story centres on Burnham's reputation as a devoted Smiths fan, whose music selections apparently failed to keep partygoers entertained. The report comes amid wider coverage of Burnham's political rise, with other pieces noting scepticism from voters about his mandate as he prepares to take office.