Who is the real Andy Burnham? Laura Kuenssberg talks to more than 20 people who know him to work it out

King of the north, the well-liked mayor of Greater Manchester. Ruthless plotter – the man who led a shadow revolt to oust the prime minister. Gig-goer. Everton fan and season ticket holder, who wants to try and sit in the stands even when he is running the country. Deeply proud family man and centrist dad, unafraid to display his moves to True Faith by New Order, the track he picked to play at an event to celebrate taking over the Labour Party. To understand who he is, I've spoken to more than 20 people who have worked with him over the last few decades – old friends and rivals, as well as current and former cabinet ministers. Burnham is unusual in politics because even colleagues who are furious that he ousted Sir Keir Starmer say he is an affable and decent person. But does he have the experience and skills to pick Labour's morale up off the floor, and tackle the deep problems the country has? One old friend wonders: "He is a lovely bloke, but I just don't know if he is up to it – that is the honest question." Being Mr Nice Guy isn't enough to be an effective prime minister in a confusing and brutal political era.