Andy Burnham has announced that, having successfully become involved in virtually every issue within fifty miles of Manchester, he is now ready to apply the same proven approach to the world's biggest problems.
Mr Burnham said decades of experience standing in front of television cameras near transport infrastructure had uniquely equipped him to resolve matters ranging from Middle East peace to quantum computing.
'When you've spent years saying that working people deserve better while standing beside a delayed tram, you develop transferable skills,' Burnham explained. 'People underestimate how often saying ‘This just isn't good enough' in a concerned voice can fundamentally alter reality.'
Supporters insist Burnham's success comes from an instinctive understanding of ordinary people.
'He's authentic,' said one admirer. 'If a volcano erupted in Iceland he'd be there within hours in a branded waterproof saying, ‘This isn't the future the people of Manchester deserve.''
Government officials confirmed Burnham had already offered practical assistance with several major international challenges.
'He proposed fixing the global economy by announcing a 'listening exercise',' one civil servant said. 'His plan for artificial intelligence appears to involve insisting that any superintelligence should be ‘held to account'.'
Sources say Burnham's crisis-management strategy follows a simple three-stage process.
First, arrive quickly.
Second, express solidarity with hardworking families.
Third, promise that lessons will be learned.
'If events continue after that,' admitted one aide, 'that's generally someone else's responsibility.'
The United Nations has reportedly expressed cautious interest in Burnham's methods after learning he once reduced commuter frustration by giving several exceptionally sympathetic interviews to BBC North West Tonight.
Diplomats remain divided.
Some argue that generations of geopolitical conflict cannot realistically be solved through regional radio interviews and optimistic slogans.
Others point out that nobody had previously tried appointing a man whose principal qualification is looking extremely disappointed while wearing a high-vis vest outside Manchester Piccadilly.
Burnham himself dismissed the criticism.
'Look,' he said, jogging purposefully towards a waiting camera crew, 'the important thing is to be seen running in the general direction of the problem.'
Image: WixAI
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