Andy Burnham, English politician, Secretary of State for Health

Andrew Burnham: A Profile in British Politics and Regional Leadership

Andrew Murray Burnham, born on January 7, 1970, is a prominent British politician and a distinguished member of the Labour Party. He has served with distinction in various high-profile roles, most notably as the inaugural Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. His extensive political career spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions in both national government and regional governance, establishing him as a key figure in contemporary British politics.

Early Life, Education, and Formative Career

Burnham’s journey began in the Old Roan area of Aintree, Merseyside. His foundational education was at St Aelred's Catholic High School in Newton-le-Willows, a stepping stone to his academic pursuits at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He graduated with a degree in English, an academic background that likely honed his communication and analytical skills, which proved invaluable in his subsequent political career.

Before entering Parliament, Burnham garnered diverse professional experience that provided a broad understanding of public service and policy. From 1994 to 1997, he served as a researcher for Tessa Jowell, a notable Labour politician who later became Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. This role provided him with early insights into parliamentary processes and policy development. In 1997, he contributed to the NHS Confederation, an organisation representing the National Health Service (NHS) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, gaining firsthand experience in healthcare policy and the complexities of the UK's publicly funded health system. The following year, in 1998, he took on an administrative role for the Football Task Force. This government initiative was established to address critical issues within English football, including fan engagement, financial regulation, and governance, showcasing his early involvement in significant public interest projects. His pre-parliamentary career culminated in his role as a special adviser to Chris Smith, then the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, from 1998 to 2001. This advisory position further deepened his understanding of cultural policy, media regulation, and ministerial operations, directly preparing him for future leadership responsibilities.

Parliamentary Journey and Cabinet Service

Andrew Burnham transitioned into elected office in 2001, succeeding Lawrence Cunliffe as the Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Leigh, a constituency in Greater Manchester he proudly represented until 2017. His parliamentary career quickly ascended through various governmental tiers, demonstrating his growing influence and capabilities.

• Parliamentary Private Secretary (2003-2005): Burnham began his ministerial path as a Parliamentary Private Secretary, a junior role assisting senior ministers, allowing him to observe and contribute to government business from within.

• Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (2005-2006): Following the 2005 general election, Prime Minister Tony Blair promoted him to a junior ministerial position within the Home Office, where he held responsibility for critical internal affairs, including aspects of policing and counter-terrorism.

• Minister of State for Health (2006-2007): In 2006, he was reshuffled into the Department of Health, gaining significant responsibility and experience in the vital healthcare sector, laying the groundwork for his future leadership role there.

Upon Gordon Brown's ascension to Prime Minister in 2007, Andrew Burnham was brought into the Cabinet, marking a pivotal moment in his career and placing him at the heart of national decision-making.

• Chief Secretary to the Treasury (2007-2008): As Chief Secretary, he was the second most senior minister in the Treasury, playing a crucial role in controlling public expenditure, managing the national finances, and overseeing spending reviews. This demanding role is fundamental to the government's economic policy and requires a deep understanding of fiscal management.

• Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (2008-2009): In a subsequent reshuffle, he was appointed to lead the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. In this capacity, he oversaw policies related to the arts, broadcasting, digital media, heritage, sport, and tourism – sectors central to national identity, cultural enrichment, and economic contribution.

• Secretary of State for Health (2009-2010): Perhaps his most impactful national role, he returned to the health portfolio as Secretary of State for Health. During this tenure, Burnham notably championed policies that opposed further privatisation of National Health Service (NHS) services, consistently advocating for the principle of public sector provision and defending the core values of the NHS. A defining moment was his decisive action to launch an independent inquiry into the devastating Stafford Hospital scandal. This scandal, involving severe failings in patient care at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, led to hundreds of avoidable deaths. The inquiry, which later became the widely impactful Francis Inquiry, was a critical step towards accountability, transparency, and comprehensive reforms within the NHS, underscoring Burnham's deep commitment to patient safety and public health integrity.

Post-Government and Leadership Aspirations

Following the Labour Party's defeat in the 2010 general election, Andrew Burnham sought to lead the party through a challenging period. He was one of five candidates in the 2010 Labour leadership election, ultimately coming fourth in a contest won by Ed Miliband.

Despite this, he remained a key figure in the Shadow Cabinet under Miliband's leadership, continuing to influence policy development:

• Shadow Secretary of State for Health (2010): Initially, he resumed his role overseeing health policy for the opposition, building on his ministerial experience.

• Shadow Secretary of State for Education (2010-2011): Ed Miliband then moved him to the education brief, where he contributed to Labour's policy development in schooling, higher education, and vocational training for a year.

• Return to Shadow Health Secretary (22011-2015): He subsequently returned to the Shadow Health Secretary role, reaffirming his deep interest and extensive expertise in healthcare policy, particularly concerning the future of the NHS.

After Ed Miliband's resignation following the 2015 general election defeat, Burnham launched a second bid for the Labour leadership in September 2015. While a strong contender and initially considered a frontrunner, he finished a distant second to Jeremy Corbyn in a contest that saw a significant shift in the party's direction. Following this, he accepted the crucial role of Shadow Home Secretary within Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet from 2015 to 2016. In this capacity, he shadowed the government's Home Secretary, focusing on vital issues such as policing, crime, immigration, national security, and civil liberties, offering an alternative vision for internal affairs.

Mayor of Greater Manchester: A New Chapter in Regional Leadership

Andrew Burnham embarked on a new, significant chapter in his political career when he was selected as Labour's candidate for the newly created Greater Manchester Mayoralty. This influential role was established as part of the UK government's devolution agenda, aiming to empower local leaders with greater control over regional matters such as transport infrastructure, housing development, policing strategies, and skills training. To fully dedicate himself to this historic opportunity and his new mandate, he strategically stepped down as Shadow Home Secretary in 2016 and as an MP at the 2017 general election.

His commitment to regional representation and his vision for Greater Manchester were validated when he decisively won the inaugural mayoral election in 2017, becoming the first directly elected Mayor of the combined authority. He was successfully re-elected in the delayed election held in May 2021, demonstrating continued public trust and widespread support for his leadership and policies within the region.

During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Burnham gained significant national recognition for his impassioned advocacy for Northern communities. He vociferously campaigned for increased financial support and fairer treatment from the central government, particularly for areas subjected to stricter lockdown measures and disproportionate economic hardship. His tenacious efforts to secure more resources and ensure equitable policy for local people, often in direct and public opposition to Whitehall, earned him the widely publicised media epithet, the "King of the North." This moniker reflected his powerful voice, strong regional identity, and undeniable influence in championing the North of England's interests on the national stage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andrew Burnham

When was Andrew Burnham born?

Andrew Murray Burnham was born on January 7, 1970.

What is Andrew Burnham's current political role?

He currently serves as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, a position he has held since 2017 after becoming the first directly elected mayor of the region.

Which government departments did Andrew Burnham serve in Gordon Brown's Cabinet?

Andrew Burnham served in Gordon Brown's Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury (2007-2008), Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (2008-2009), and Secretary of State for Health (2009-2010).

What significant policies or actions is Andrew Burnham known for during his time as Health Secretary?

As Secretary of State for Health, he famously opposed further privatisation of NHS services and launched a crucial independent inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal, which led to significant reforms in patient care.

Why is Andrew Burnham sometimes called the "King of the North"?

This media moniker emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic due to his strong and vocal advocacy for Northern communities, particularly his success in securing more financial support and fairer treatment from the central government for regions facing strict lockdown measures.

Did Andrew Burnham stand for the Labour Party leadership?

Yes, he was a candidate in the Labour leadership elections in both 2010 (coming fourth) and 2015 (finishing second to Jeremy Corbyn).