Who is Andy Burnham? Returning MP who wants to be prime minister
BBC News 2026-06-22 11:04:28
Context: Andy Burnham, a Labour MP and former Greater Manchester mayor, is emerging as a front-runner in the race to become the UK's prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. Burnham has previously run for the Labour leadership twice, in 2010 and 2015, but missed out on the top spot. His chances have been boosted by the backing of Wes Streeting, a former health secretary under Sir Keir.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham, born in Liverpool in 1970, grew up in Culcheth, Cheshire, and developed an early interest in politics, inspired by the BBC TV drama "Boys from the Blackstuff" at the age of 14.
- Burnham was first elected to Parliament in 2001 as the MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester and has served as a junior minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, holding various cabinet positions including chief secretary to the Treasury, culture secretary, and health secretary.
- Burnham served as the mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2024, implementing significant transport reforms, including bringing bus services back under public control and integrating them with other modes of transport under the "Bee Network" branding.
- Burnham's bid for the Labour leadership has been boosted by the backing of Wes Streeting, a former health secretary under Sir Keir Starmer, who had himself been keen on running for the top job.
- Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on [unspecified date], increasing Labour's share of the vote from 45% at the 2024 general election to almost 55%, and will be sworn into Parliament on Monday afternoon.