Burnham told to ‘get serious’ on world stage after one of his top aides called Trump ‘racist’

ANDY Burnham has been told to “get serious” on the world stage after one of his chief aides called Donald Trump “racist”. Matthew McGregor had described the US President as a “maniac with fascist tendencies” in a 2024 post online. Incoming PM Andy Burnham has been told to ‘get serious’ on the world stage after one of his chief aides called Donald Trump ‘racist’ Credit: PA Burnham’s aide appeared to back calls to bar Trump from visiting Britain over his Muslim ban plan Credit: AP In 2016 he called him “racist” and appeared to back calls to bar Trump from visiting Britain over his Muslim ban plan. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel warned that Mr Burnham’s team are “in for a shock” when they enter Downing Street tomorrow. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Mr Burnham could face serious decisions over whether to continue letting the US use British bases to strike Iran. President Trump has threatened to bomb civilian infrastructure like bridges and power plants. Little is known about how Mr Burnham plans to deal with Trump and he has been keen to focus on domestic issues. Dame Priti told The Sun on Sunday: “When the reality of power hits and the security services brief them, they will realise just how important our relationship with the US is for the safety and security of our country. “Burnham and his people need to get serious. Britain faces major threats around the world and there is no time for their type of dogmatic student politics. “Labour cannot be trusted to stand up for our country and only the Conservatives will fight for Britain’s national interests and those of our global allies.” Mr McGregor is being hired as No10’s director of political strategy, a role that will help shape the narrative for Britain’s next PM. Most read in The Sun The aide, Matthew McGregor, had described the US President as a ‘maniac with fascist tendencies’ in a 2024 post online Credit: facebook/38 Degrees Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel warned that Mr Burnham’s team are ‘in for a shock’ when they enter Downing Street on Monday Credit: The Times He was previously CEO of activist organisation 38 Degrees and a former director of campaigns and communications for anti-racism group Hope Not Hate. In a tweet before the Brexit Referendum he called Nigel Farage a “racist piece of sh**”. Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson described Mr McGregor’s appointment as an “absolute disgrace”. Mr McGregor deleted his Twitter account on Friday. A Labour Party spokesperson said: “We will continue to work closely with our international allies, including the USA, to defend our shared interests, including steadfastly supporting Ukraine and working to bring greater stability in the Middle East.” Comment now