Andy Burnham's life has turned upside down in the space of just three weeks. This time last month, the Labour politician was working as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, a position he has held for nearly 10 years. But on June 19th, he returned to Westminster, where he was sworn in as the new MP for Makerfield following a landslide victory. Now, he is eyeing up the keys to No. 10 following Sir Keir Starmer's teary resignation just 72 hours after his political win in the North West.

The Labour leader is expected to move out of Downing Street later this month after just two years in office. And it appears as though his usurper is ready to swap his northern roots for the Big Smoke in London.

But what is the future Prime Minister really like? Back in April, I interviewed Mr Burnham as he celebrated the BRIT Awards moving to Manchester for the first time since the ceremony began in 1977. At the star-studded event, I quizzed the politician on what he loves most about the northern powerhouse city.

His answer? The culture. He told me: "I think the BRITs coming up north is a reflection of how far the city has come and that this is actually happening because we've got loads of infrastructure, hotels, everything.

"It's a big sign that Manchester is massively right up there now. I personally feel that music started the revival of Manchester because I was growing up here in the '80s in my teenage years, and in the decades since, it's been amazing to see the city thrive. But we're not finished yet by any means."

It was clear to see that he was proud of Manchester and all he had achieved since taking on the role of Mayor back in 2017. The charismatic politician oozed confidence and pride as he talked about the changes he had made.

This included the reorganisation of the public transport system, now known as the Bee Network, and campaigning for more furlough funding for Northern communities during the Covid pandemic. But he was quick to point out that it hasn't been plain sailing, admitting his failures and struggles, maintaining his down-to-earth demeanour to a fault.

Despite being open and honest about his successes and failures as mayor, it came as no surprise when he politely dodged questions about his rumoured ambitions to take No. 10. His redirection to the awards show was an obvious tactic to move the conversation along, something he himself admitted to, branding it "a politician's answer."

He chuckled: "Doesn't it show that I love being the Mayor of Greater Manchester? I think it does, I hope it does. Honestly, I've loved it; it's been almost 10 years since I've been doing this job now, and it's been a bit like coming home for me.

"I was in Westminster for a long time. I tried my best there, but I've always been at home here. And when you feel at home, you give your best, don't you?" Throughout the interview, one thing was clear: he was passionate and driven.

His charisma could silence a room, and he stood firm on many of his boundaries. Ultimately, I think this is one of the main reasons that Brits and his fellow party members were so quick to jump ship from Starmer to Burnham following his by-election win.

When he returned to Westminster for the first time in a decade, he pulled everyone in for a selfie, uniting the room and the party before even setting foot in No. 10. This is something that the Labour leader has never been able to do, with his MPs speaking out against him throughout his two-year stint.

With it only growing more and more certain every day that the former Mayor will move into Downing Street, I have hope that he will be able to restore some of the UK's faith in the Labour party. That may be coming from a slight bias as a fellow Manc, but his confidence, charisma and ambition will only hold him in good standing should he take over in office.

To those doubting the politician before he has even set foot in No. 10, I say one thing: Give him a chance. He has done wonders for Manchester and shows promise with his plans for the UK should he land the top job. I would certainly feel more confident with him as our leader going toe-to-toe with Donald Trump in the months to come.