I’ve known Andy Burnham for a long time. We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder through campaigns, rows with governments of different colours, and more than a few battles for the North. On Monday night, amidst all the political frenzy and speculation , we managed to find time for a drink far from the madding crowd. It didn’t feel like I was chatting with someone who might be about to take the helm of a G7 country. It was just two mates putting the world to rights, catching up on family, football,