Andy Burnham's Potential Inner Circle
Following his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, Andy Burnham is widely anticipated to contend for the Labour leadership. If he were to become Prime Minister, a number of Members of Parliament and seasoned advisors are positioned to take on crucial roles within his administration. Here's a look at some of the key figures:
Prominent MPs and Advisors
- Louise Haigh: A former transport secretary, Haigh resigned from the cabinet in November 2024 due to a prior fraud conviction. Since then, she has become a significant figure on Labour's 'soft left,' playing a central role in the rebellion that blocked government welfare cuts in 2025. Her deep involvement in Burnham's Makerfield campaign suggests she is a strong contender for a senior cabinet position.
- Anneliese Midgley: Though elected as MP for Knowsley only in 2024, Midgley has a long history of influence within the Labour movement, having worked for the TUC, Unite, Jeremy Corbyn's team, and Sir Keir's office. She is considered a likely candidate for roles such as chief whip or even political secretary in Downing Street.
- Miatta Fahnbulleh: Resigning as a junior communities minister after the May elections, Fahnbulleh, from Labour's soft left, has been actively developing policy proposals for a potential Burnham government. Her background includes civil service work and leading the New Economics Foundation think tank.
- Josh Simons: Simons, who vacated his seat for Burnham and was praised for his 'selflessness,' is reportedly assisting Team Burnham with policy, despite holding a different ideological perspective from Fahnbulleh. His rapid political journey included working for and then falling out with Jeremy Corbyn, running a pro-Starmer think tank, and a brief ministerial stint. He is seen as a strong candidate for a Downing Street role.
- Kate Green: Currently Burnham's deputy mayor for policing and crime, Green is actively engaging MPs for their input on a future Burnham government. With 12 years of experience as an MP, including time in Sir Keir's shadow cabinet, she is also a potential candidate for a Downing Street position.
- Kevin Lee: As Burnham's closest advisor, Lee has a long-standing relationship with him, having managed his 2010 Labour leadership campaign, advised him as shadow health secretary, and run his mayoral office since 2017. He is considered a certainty for a key role in a Burnham Downing Street.
- Lucy Powell: As the independently-elected deputy leader, Powell holds a significant party role. A long-term ally and fellow Manchester MP, her influence is expected to extend to government matters should Burnham become Prime Minister, likely leading to a cabinet position.
- Ed Miliband: Despite an earlier ideological divergence, Miliband and Burnham have aligned on the concept of a more interventionist state. Miliband, who has faced scrutiny for his actions as energy secretary, is thought to be interested in the Chancellor role, drawing on his experience advising Gordon Brown at the Treasury.
- Heidi Alexander: One of the few MPs who supported Burnham in his 2010 and 2015 leadership bids, Alexander, currently the transport secretary, is expected to secure a significant position if Burnham wins.
External Influencers and Policy Minds
- Neal Lawson: A veteran of the progressive left and founder of Compass, Lawson has also been active in Mainstream, an organization generally seen as aligned with Burnham. His ideas on electoral reform and progressive alliances present an interesting dynamic for a potential role.
- Lord O'Neill and Richard Hughes: In preparation for national policy and to assure market stability, Burnham has been consulting high-level economic advisors. These include Lord O'Neill, a former Treasury minister and economist, and Richard Hughes, the former chairman of the Office of Budget Responsibility.