Andy Burnham: The Political Journey of the Mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham is a prominent British politician currently serving his third term as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, a position he has held since May 2017. Widely recognized as the “King of the North,” Burnham’s political career is defined by his transition from high-level Westminster cabinet roles to becoming the leading voice for English devolution and regional empowerment. Before his mayoral tenure, he served as the Member of Parliament for Leigh for 16 years, during which he held several senior government positions, including Secretary of State for Health and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Burnham’s early life in Lancashire, his rise through the Labour Party ranks, and his pivotal role in national events like the Hillsborough inquiry. We will explore his major mayoral achievements, such as the creation of the Bee Network—the first franchised bus system outside London in nearly 40 years—and his “Housing First” approach to ending homelessness. Finally, we examine his recent 2026 bid to return to Westminster and what his “Manchester model” of governance means for the future of British politics.

Early Life and Education

Andy Burnham was born on January 7, 1970, in Aintree, Liverpool, and was raised in the village of Culcheth, Cheshire. He attended St Aelred’s Catholic High School in Newton-le-Willows, where he developed an early interest in social justice and local community issues.

His formative political years were shaped by the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike, an event he frequently cites as the catalyst for joining the Labour Party at age 15. Burnham went on to study English at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, an experience that highlighted the stark regional inequalities between the North of England and the South.

Early Professional Career

Before entering the House of Commons, Burnham worked as a researcher for Tessa Jowell MP from 1994 to 1997, gaining deep insights into parliamentary operations. This period established his reputation as a dedicated strategist with a focus on public service and social policy.

He also served as a parliamentary officer for the NHS Confederation and worked with the Football Task Force, reflecting his dual passions for healthcare and sport. These roles provided the foundation for his later ministerial work in the Department of Health and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Entry into Parliament

In the 2001 General Election, Andy Burnham was elected as the MP for Leigh, a safe Labour seat in Greater Manchester, with a majority of over 16,000 votes. His maiden speech in July 2001 focused heavily on the need for investment in former industrial towns and the revitalization of the North.

During his first years in Parliament, he served on the Health Select Committee and as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Home Secretary David Blunkett. His rapid ascent through the party ranks was noted by leadership, marking him as a rising star in the “New Labour” era.

Rise to Cabinet

Burnham received his first major government promotion in 2005 as an Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office, where he worked on identity cards and immigration. By 2007, Prime Minister Gordon Brown appointed him as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, placing him at the heart of government spending and economic policy.

In 2008, he was promoted to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, where he oversaw preparations for the London 2012 Olympics and championed local grassroots sports. His move to the Cabinet solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the Labour government.

Health Secretary Tenure

Andy Burnham was appointed Secretary of State for Health in June 2009, a role he held until the 2010 General Election. During this time, he was responsible for managing the NHS’s response to the swine flu pandemic and fought to keep healthcare services publicly funded and delivered.

One of his most significant actions as Health Secretary was launching an independent inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal. This move demonstrated his commitment to patient safety and transparency within the National Health Service, even when it meant exposing systemic failures.

The Hillsborough Campaign

Perhaps the most defining moment of Burnham’s Westminster career was his role in securing justice for the victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. After being heckled at a memorial service in 2009, he successfully lobbied the government to create the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

His persistence led to the disclosure of thousands of previously classified documents, which eventually resulted in the quashing of the original inquest verdicts. In 2016, a second inquiry found that the 97 victims were unlawfully killed, a victory Burnham considers his proudest political achievement.

Leadership Contests (2010 & 2015)

Following Labour’s defeat in 2010, Burnham stood for the party leadership, positioning himself as a candidate who could bridge the gap between the party’s metropolitan and northern heartlands. He finished fourth in the contest, which was ultimately won by Ed Miliband.

He ran again in 2015 following Miliband’s resignation, entering the race as the early favorite of the “soft left.” However, he finished a distant second to Jeremy Corbyn, leading him to reconsider his future in Westminster and eventually turn his focus toward regional governance.

Election as Mayor

In May 2017, Andy Burnham won the first-ever Greater Manchester mayoral election with 63% of the vote, winning in every single borough. This transition from MP to Metro Mayor signaled a new chapter in his career, focused on the “devolution revolution.”

His victory was seen as a mandate to test radical new policies in transport, housing, and social care at a regional level. He has since been re-elected twice, in 2021 (with 67% of the vote) and 2024 (with 63%), maintaining high levels of public support.

“King of the North”

The nickname “King of the North” was coined by the media during the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020. Burnham gained national attention for his high-profile standoff with the UK government over the level of financial support provided during “Tier 3” lockdowns.

By refusing to accept a deal that he argued would leave low-paid workers in poverty, Burnham became a symbol of northern resistance against Westminster. Although the government eventually imposed the restrictions, the battle significantly boosted his national profile and cemented his reputation as a regional champion.

The Bee Network

The Bee Network is Burnham’s flagship transport policy, aimed at creating a London-style integrated transport system for Greater Manchester. Launched in September 2023, it brought buses back under public control for the first time since deregulation in 1986.

The network features distinctive yellow buses, capped fares (£2 for a single journey), and a unified app for trams and buses. By 2026, the system is expanding to include local rail services, with the ultimate goal of full integration by 2030.

Tackling Homelessness

Upon taking office in 2017, Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping in Greater Manchester and donated 15% of his salary to a homelessness fund. His administration launched the “A Bed Every Night” scheme, providing emergency accommodation for those who do not qualify for statutory support.

His “Housing First” pilot has been widely praised for its high success rate in keeping formerly homeless individuals in permanent tenancies. As of 2026, rough sleeping in the region has significantly decreased, though Burnham continues to call for national policy changes to address the underlying housing crisis.

Education and Skills

Burnham has introduced the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) as a technical alternative to the traditional EBacc academic route. This initiative aims to link young people directly with local employers in sectors like digital, green energy, and construction.

The MBacc is part of a broader “Integrated Technical Education City-Region” strategy, designed to ensure that Manchester’s youth have the skills needed for the local economy. It represents a significant departure from the national “one-size-fits-all” approach to secondary education.

2026 Return to Westminster Bid

In early 2026, Andy Burnham applied to be the Labour candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election following the resignation of Andrew Gwynne. This move sparked intense national debate regarding his ambitions to return to frontline national politics and a potential third bid for the Labour leadership.

However, in February 2026, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked his candidacy, citing rules regarding sitting mayors. This decision has been interpreted by many analysts as a move by the party leadership to prevent a popular rival from entering the House of Commons.

Practical Information and Planning

For those interested in the work of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) or visiting the region to see the “Manchester Model” in action, the following details are essential:

• Public Transport: Use the Bee Network app to plan journeys across buses and Metrolink trams. Single bus fares are currently capped at £2.
• Official Headquarters: The GMCA is located at Churchgate House, 56 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6EU.
• Public Meetings: Monthly GMCA meetings are open to the public and often livestreamed via the official website.
• What to Expect: A city-region undergoing rapid infrastructure transformation, with a heavy focus on “active travel” (walking and cycling) and green energy.
• Visiting Tip: Check the Bee Network website for the latest updates on “Tap-and-Go” contactless payment rollouts across different transport modes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Andy Burnham still the Mayor of Greater Manchester? 

Yes, Andy Burnham is currently serving his third term as Mayor, having been re-elected in May 2024. He is expected to serve until the next mayoral election in 2028 unless he resigns earlier.

Why is he called the “King of the North”? 

The title was given by the media in 2020 during his public dispute with the government over COVID-19 lockdown funding. It reflects his role as a vocal defender of Northern England’s economic interests.

Did Andy Burnham win a leadership election? 

No, he has run for the Labour Party leadership twice (2010 and 2015) but did not win. He finished fourth in 2010 and second in 2015.

What is the Bee Network? 

The Bee Network is Greater Manchester’s integrated transport system. It includes franchised bus services, the Metrolink tram system, and is currently integrating local rail services.

Was Andy Burnham an MP? Yes, he was the Member of Parliament for Leigh from 2001 until 2017. He stood down from Parliament to run for the mayoralty.

What are Andy Burnham’s views on the NHS? 

Burnham is a staunch supporter of a publicly funded NHS. He has frequently campaigned against privatization and proposed a “National Care Service” to integrate social care with health services.

Does Andy Burnham want to be Prime Minister? 

While he has not explicitly stated he is currently running for the role, he has never ruled out a return to Westminster. His 2026 attempt to stand in a by-election suggests continued national ambition.

What did Andy Burnham do about Hillsborough? 

He was instrumental in setting up the Hillsborough Independent Panel and pushing for the second inquiry. His work is credited with helping the families of the 97 victims finally achieve justice.

How much does the Mayor of Greater Manchester earn? 

The salary for the Mayor is approximately £110,000 per year. Burnham has famously donated a portion of this to local homelessness charities.

Can Andy Burnham run for MP while being Mayor? 

Under current rules, he can apply for selection, but if elected as an MP, he would be legally required to resign as Mayor. In 2026, his attempt to do so was blocked by the Labour NEC.

Final Thoughts

Andy Burnham’s political trajectory from Westminster Cabinet Minister to the Mayor of Greater Manchester represents one of the most significant shifts in modern British governance. By trading the halls of Parliament for a regional executive role, he has successfully positioned himself as the primary architect of English devolution, proving that local leaders can command as much national attention as Secretaries of State. His creation of the Bee Network and his aggressive “Housing First” strategies have turned Manchester into a living laboratory for progressive policy, often referred to as the “Manchester Model.”

As of February 2026, Burnham remains at a professional crossroads. While his bid to return to Westminster via the Gorton and Denton by-election was blocked by the Labour National Executive Committee, the move reaffirmed his national ambitions and his standing as a major rival to the current party leadership. Whether he serves out his full third term as Mayor or finds a new path back to the House of Commons, Burnham’s influence on the “leveling up” agenda and the decentralization of power in the UK is already a permanent part of his political legacy.

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