Andy Burnham’s tea-making method sparks debate on first day as Labour leader

Politics
17 Jul 2026 • 9:42 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Andy Burnham’s tea-making method sparks debate on first day as Labour leader

Andy Burnham has already divided Britons just a day into his role as the new Labour leader, after he revealed that he puts milk in his tea first when making a cup of tea.

The Makerfield MP was confirmed as Sir Keir Starmer’s successor this week after he secured the backing of 349 Labour MPs and trade unions linked to the party.

Playing a game of rapid, quick-fire questions with PoliticsUK on Thursday (16 July), Mr Burnham revealed that he puts milk in his mug before adding hot water. “I just have a feeling that it softens the tea bag a bit and makes it stronger.”

Whilst some social media users called his tea-making approach “spot on”, others were less than impressed. “He makes his tea in a weird way,” said one user.

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