Andy Burnham's Path to Leadership
Andy Burnham, who has previously sought the Labour leadership twice, is now positioned for a potential third attempt, with significant backing from Labour MPs following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. Burnham has confirmed his intention to run for the leadership, a bid bolstered by the support of Wes Streeting, Sir Keir's former health secretary.
His return to Westminster was secured by winning the Makerfield by-election, where he significantly increased Labour's vote share. First elected to Parliament in 2001, Burnham is set to be sworn in, marking a pivotal moment in his political career.
Early Life and Political Awakening
Born in Liverpool in 1970 and raised in Culcheth, Cheshire, Burnham's upbringing was steeped in Labour politics, influenced by his parents. He developed an early interest in politics, joining the Labour Party at 14 after being moved by the BBC drama 'Boys from the Blackstuff'.
A lifelong Everton fan, he was known as a competitive, sports-loving child. Burnham was among the first in his family to attend university, studying English at Cambridge. He has described feeling like an 'imposter' at university but found identity and advantage in his love for Manchester indie music.
From MP to Greater Manchester Mayor
After university, Burnham briefly worked in journalism before entering politics as a researcher for Tessa Jowell. He quickly ascended, becoming a special adviser before being elected MP for Leigh in 2001. He served as a junior minister under Tony Blair and later held cabinet positions as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary, and Health Secretary under Gordon Brown.
A notable moment during his tenure as Culture Secretary occurred at a memorial for the Hillsborough disaster, where he was heckled. This incident spurred him to advocate for a second inquiry into the tragedy.
Burnham first ran for Labour leader in 2010, placing fourth, and again in 2015, losing to Jeremy Corbyn. Despite being seen as initially on the Blairite wing, his views have shifted leftward, supporting nationalisation of water and energy.
In 2017, he stepped down from Parliament to run for the inaugural Mayor of Greater Manchester, winning with over 60% of the vote and securing re-election in 2021.
Mayoral Achievements and National Profile
As mayor, Burnham garnered praise for his 'Bee Network' initiative, which brought Greater Manchester's bus services under public control and integrated them with other transport modes. While a pledge to end rough sleeping by 2020 was missed, his profile significantly rose during the Covid-19 pandemic. He famously accused the Conservative government of disrespecting the North of England over regional lockdown restrictions, earning him the moniker 'King of the North'.
Recent political events, including a series of poor election results for Labour and increased pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, created an opportunity for Burnham's return to Westminster. Following Josh Simons' resignation as MP for Makerfield, Burnham was selected as the Labour candidate and successfully secured his return to Parliament, positioning him as a leading figure in the upcoming Labour leadership contest.
Source: Who is Andy Burnham? Returning MP who wants to be prime minister