Andy Burnham has become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after emerging as Labour Party leader following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
A veteran politician and former Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham’s journey from regional leadership to the country’s highest office has drawn widespread attention. Here are 10 things to know about him.
1. Birth
Andy Burnham was born on January 7, 1970, in Aintree, near Liverpool, and grew up in Culcheth, between Liverpool and Manchester.
He was raised in a Catholic family by his father, Kenneth Burnham, a British Telecom engineer, and his mother, Eileen, a GP receptionist.
2. Education
Burnham attended St. Aelred’s Catholic High School before studying English at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge.
Despite concerns about fitting in because of his working-class background, he graduated with an upper second-class degree.
3. Journalism
Before becoming an MP, Burnham worked as a journalist for a trade publication.
He later served as a researcher for Labour politician Tessa Jowell and held policy roles with the NHS Confederation, the Football Task Force and the Department for Culture.
4. Parliament
Burnham was elected as the Member of Parliament for Leigh in 2001 and steadily rose through the Labour Party ranks.
5. Cabinet
During the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, he served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary and Health Secretary.
As Health Secretary, he led Britain’s response to the 2009 swine flu outbreak and launched the Stafford Hospital inquiry.
6. Leadership
Burnham unsuccessfully contested the Labour Party leadership in 2010 and 2015 before finally becoming leader unopposed in 2026.
7. Mayoralty
In 2017, he became the first elected Mayor of Greater Manchester. His tenure was marked by transport reforms through the Bee Network and his vocal campaign for greater support for northern England during the COVID-19 pandemic.
8. Premiership
After returning to Parliament through the Makerfield by-election in June 2026, Burnham quickly became Labour leader and was appointed Britain’s 59th prime minister.
9. Family
Burnham has been married to Dutch-born Marie-France van Heel since 2000. They have three children Jimmy, Rosie and Anne-Marie.
10. Interests
Outside politics, Burnham is a lifelong Everton supporter, an advocate of rugby league and has completed several marathons, including the London and Boston races.
