The day I met Andy Burnham, by KATIE HIND: Our new PM was a proud ladies' man who boasted of 'lots of girlfriends', let me check for mascara on his famous eyelashes, and couldn't stop name-dropping his celebrity friends

In the summer of 2010, shortly after Labour's defeat, Katie Hind recounts a memorable encounter with then-Labour MP Andy Burnham. Burnham, known for his charismatic presence, boasted about his numerous girlfriends and flamboyant eyelashes, even prompting Hind to jokingly check for mascara. His constant name-dropping of celebrity connections highlighted his larger-than-life persona. This glimpse into Burnham's character underscores his ambition and the allure of his public image, which likely contributed to his political aspirations.