I tried to interview Andy Burnham - his team’s response should terrify Britain

Thrilled Labour activists dub him the 'King in the North', but Andy Burnham on the by-election campaign trail looked like just another politician who dodges tough questions. His team's baffling stance on dealing with the media, considering he's a potential future prime minister, should send shivers down all our spines.

I spent three days, last Friday and Monday and Tuesday this week, in Ashton-in-Makerfield, trying to speak to local residents about their own issues and discover who they might be voting for. I could feel residents' weariness at having already spent two weeks with the world's political spotlight shone on their town.

But I was amazed by the warmth, humour and thoughtfulness of those in this once 'Red Wall' staunchly Labour fortress - whether on the street, in pubs, clubs, or car parks.

I knew from journalists at other papers that Andy Burnham was developing a reputation for avoiding interview requests from any media that might challenge his policies.

Only the other week, he chastised an Express colleague who tried to quiz him about a Brexit U-turn as he limbered up for a morning run.

On Tuesday morning this week, it was announced that Burnham would speak to residents about flooding and take part in a 'media huddle' of questions at the Platt Bridge Community Centre near Ashton-in-Makerfield.

I contacted one of his press officers asking to attend, but was told the "accreditation has been finalised for today, but will check in with the team" over a future interview.

Knowing the Mayor of Greater Manchester was the reason sitting Labour MP Josh Simons vacated the seat, to allow Burnham the chance to become an MP and thereby challenge Keir Starmer in a leadership race - I decided to try to speak to him outside.

My hopes were raised when Burnham arrived all smiles. I asked him: "Andy it's Chris Riches at the Daily Express - is there a chance to have a word with you outside afterwards?"

He told me: "I think it's afterwards isn't it?"

I double-checked: "Is that alright?" And he replied: "Yup."

So for two hours I patiently waited in the car park, not approaching anyone - respecting the frustrating fact that I had not been invited but knowing that should not stop a journalist from trying to ask him a question in the street.

Is he so naïve that he fails to grasp that this by-election he has levered himself into could end up affecting the lives of everyone in the UK, from Southampton to the Shetland Islands?

But in that time, while I was waiting outside, a total of three separate members of Burnham's communications team approached me unrequested to ask: "Why are you here?"

The first told me they were "really sorry he’s not going to have any time to do anything today" because they had pitched the event as an exclusive to other specially selected national media.

I asked if he could simply speak to me outside on the street, but was told: "I'm afraid not, not today. He's got other engagements after this."

I was confused. Burnham said he would speak to me afterwards.

Minutes later, a second beaming staff member came out. I explained: "I just thought when he comes out I’d be able to talk to him. He’s a politician; I thought that’s what they do?"

Is Burnham's team indicating that if he becomes Prime Minister he will only represent those who support him?

She said: "They do talk to people, but we also have agreements about who comes to stuff and who doesn’t, and I think my colleague told you already that we had an accredited list, but you turned up anyway."

I responded: "I’m a journalist and the guy I’m reporting about is here so I’m going to come here aren’t I?"

Incredibly, she hit back: "Yeah but it’s quite a big constituency so you can be other places."

Imagine Burnham as Prime Minister? Will his staff be telling the world's media: "London has Madame Tussauds, Tower Bridge and Abba Voyage - you lot don't all have to hang around Westminster and Downing Street, you know!"

A third member of Burnham's staff approached me the exact moment the wannabe-MP left the building to jump into a waiting car, suggesting I WhatsApp him to request an interview at a later date.

As Burnham left, I asked the politician if he would speak to us outside, and he indicated he would - but he dismissed me, saying maybe "later in the campaign".

That evening I had a WhatsApp from one of his team explaining it would not "be possible" for me to speak to Andy Burnham at all before the June 18 by-election.

Even tetchy US President Donald Trump takes questions from unfriendly media - I fear Burnham's brave new era of open politics has got off to a shaky start.