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Does Andy Burnham's shift to social media undermine political scrutiny?
Critics question if Prime Minister Andy Burnham's preference for podcasts and social media over traditional press conferences reduces government accountability. Downing Street insists he is not ducking scrutiny, citing recent longer-form interviews.
Andy Burnham and his team have increasingly bypassed traditional newspaper reporters in favor of social media appearances, lifestyle podcasts, and brief television clips. This shift became apparent when he traveled to the Commonwealth heads of government meeting with only a minimal press contingent instead of the usual full reporter pack. While Downing Street maintains that the prime minister remains fully accountable through alternative interviews and broadcasts, observers note that lifestyle formats offer a much less taxing environment than traditional press conferences with specialist journalists.
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