A Macclesfield businessman who once challenged Andy Burnham live on BBC Radio Manchester has given his verdict on the country's new prime minister.

Richard Slater, managing director at Henbury Travel, was reflected on his own experiences of working with Mr Burnham, who officially took over as PM on Monday, July 20.

Not basing his decision on party politics, Mr Slater says he is feeling confident about the new Labour Party leader's ability to run the country.

Mr Slater said: "I've never been interested in political parties. I judge people by how they respond, how they listen and whether they deliver."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Slater was representing a regional travel trade association, speaking on behalf of travel agents across Greater Manchester at a time when the industry was facing unprecedented challenges.

After writing to Mr Burnham's office about urgent support for retail travel businesses and receiving no response, Mr Slater decided to take a different approach.

Knowing Burnham appeared every Thursday on BBC Radio Manchester's Mike Sweeney Show, Richard contacted the programme and secured the opportunity to raise the issue live on air.

When put through as the first caller, Mr Slater asked why Mr Burnham's office had not responded to him on such an important issue.

Mr Burnham immediately agreed the matter was important and committed to meeting Mr Slater and the relevant members of his team.

Within days, the meeting took place via Zoom.

Mr Slater says Mr Burnham listened carefully to the concerns affecting travel agents and retail businesses before asking his team to work directly with those involved.

"My experience was that once Andy knew about the issue, he listened, understood the problem and acted quickly," said Mr Slater.

"In my experience, political offices and the Civil Service can sometimes act as gatekeepers, meaning important concerns raised by businesses and the public don't always reach the people who can actually make decisions.

"Had I not raised the issue publicly on BBC Radio Manchester, I'm not convinced it would ever have reached Andy."

Mr Slater contrasted that experience with two separate appearances on LBC during the same period.

On one occasion, he debated Liz Truss with presenter Nick Ferrari; on another, he debated Kwasi Kwarteng, again with Ferrari.

He said: "In both interviews it was just me, the politician and Nick Ferrari.

"I came away from each discussion feeling they didn't really understand the issues we were talking about.

"After they had left the programme, I remember saying to Nick, 'They won't be in office long.'"

Looking ahead, Mr Slater says his confidence in Mr Burnham is rooted in what he experienced personally rather than any political allegiance.

He said: "I support good leadership wherever I find it, regardless of party.

"Based on my own dealings with Andy Burnham, I believe he'll listen to people, make decisions and get things done.

"I also hope his government backs Britain's high streets by ensuring that out-of-town retail developments and online businesses contribute fairly through the tax system.

"If we want thriving town centres, we need to give local businesses a level playing field."

Mr Slater continued: "National leadership is important, but local representatives matter just as much.

"If Andy Burnham wants to build a lasting government, MPs and local councillors need to listen and respond to the concerns of residents and businesses.

"Here in Macclesfield, I believe our local MP and councillors need to be more responsive.

"If people feel they're not being listened to, they'll make their views known at the ballot box. That's how democracy works."

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