The Prime Ministers of United Kingdom and Canada share a passion for The Blues and met for talks before the Carabao Cup match
Burnham and Carney
This was the moment two world leaders - who are both Everton fans - met for historic talks at the Blues' new stadium where they are watching their beloved team in action this evening.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney were all smiles as they embraced at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday evening - the first time the two leaders have met in person.
The two men have a lot in common. They are both progressive Prime Ministers of middle power nations that are both trying to find their way in the changing world order - and are both working out how to deal with US President Donald Trump.
But they have one more crucial connection - Everton Football Club. While Liverpool-born Mr Burnham's lifelong love of the Toffees is well documented, some may be surprised to hear that Canada's leader is also a Blue.
Back in 2013, before he took over in his previous role as the Governor of The Bank of England, Mr Carney let slip about his allegiances. During a hearing in his native Canada, he said: "I am an Everton supporter. I have got some cousins in Liverpool.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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The two met at Hill Dickinson Stadium early this evening and made some initial remarks to the gathered media - including the ECHO - before entering the stadium for crucial bilateral talks.
Mr Burnham said it was a "real life privilege" to welcome Mr Carney to Liverpool, pointing to their shared Liverpool and Irish connections, as well as their shared love of the Toffees. He also said the occasion carried a personal significance as he paid tribute to his late father, Roy, who had been suffering with Alzheimer's disease.
Describing Mr Carney as a progressive leader with whom he shared "so many values", Mr Burnham highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation between Britain and Canada on defence and trade.
He joked that their shared support for Everton meant he would at least have "someone to talk to and commiserate about Everton" with at future G7 meetings.
Mr Carney recalled watching Everton for the first time in the 1989 FA Cup, describing it as a classic match that "went the wrong way". He also reflected on the significance of Hillsborough, adding: "I want to commend you for your role in helping to bring justice and closure."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Everton Football Club, Hill Dickinson Stadium
Prime Minister Andy Burnham with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Everton Football Club, Hill Dickinson Stadium(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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The Canadian prime minister said the two countries now had an "opportunity to build together" on shared values, including artificial intelligence, defence and trade.
It seems likely the issue of Trump will be high on the agenda for the meeting given Mr Carney's public war of words with the US President and reports that Mr Burnham is due to meet with the American leader in New York next week.
After the talks, the two Everton fans went inside the stadium to watch their team take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of the Carabao Cup, which kicks off at 7.45pm. The Blues will be hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the season by progressing to the next round of the cup.
Mr Burnham returned to work today after a couple of days of compassionate leave following the death of his father.
He returned with a packed schedule, including a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a science campus in Oxford earlier in the day before heading to the city of his birth later on.