He understands soft power: Andy Burnham and music

Andy Burnham has placed music at the centre of his campaign, from a Makerfield launch video scored by Oasis, Elbow and James to a northern soul‑influenced logo, Change Labour, Keep the Faith. He has also proposed cutting business rates for music venues as part of his pitch of “Manchesterism” as a solution to Britain’s woes.

His mayoralty began with the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, just 17 days after his election, and he quickly treated music as central to the city’s recovery: pushing for the One Love Manchester fundraiser and joining the 1975 on stage at Parklife in what was described as a “moment of noise” for victims.

Advisers and industry figures say Burnham understands soft power, and he has used his post to stitch the city’s musical institutions together.

United Kingdom, Manchester

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