Banana republic prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham might like to think of himself as Cock o’ the North. Coward would probably be more appropriate.

Here’s a man who abandoned the people of Manchester he promised to serve for the remainder of his term as mayor, wasn’t even an MP at the last election, and yet wants to force his one-eyed vision upon the people of Britain.

He’s not even party leader, let alone PM, but such is the craven character of this tinpot despot that after winning a by-election he’s now telling people what happens when – not if – he becomes king.

And if that wasn’t arrogant enough, he doesn’t even possess the guts to allow people to ask him questions.

Burnham is so scared of scrutiny that he scarpered yesterday’s set-piece speech – his first since winning in Makerfield – via a side entrance. Pathetic doesn’t come close.

This spineless, gutless, wimp – a big fish in a large pond as a provincial leader – fled before anyone was able to quiz him on his fantasy of shifting the balance of power Oop North.

Incredibly, lightweight Burnham – whose junta staged a coup meaning that he could be crowned leader in three weeks without a mandate – has refused to provide any hard details of his plans.

It’s left the country fearing the worst – and with good reason.

He admitted the country “is stuck in a rut and clearly it cannot go on like this… we need to change politics and we need to do it now”.

But one thing is for sure: this second rate and pusillanimous politician will chicken out of calling a general election.

Read More: Andy Burnham just proved he’s a spineless, gutless wimp – it’s absolutely pathetic