UKÕs likely next PM unveils power shift plan

Andy Burnham has vowed to bring about the Òbiggest rebalancing
of power our country has seenÓ in his first major policy speech
since launching his bid to become prime minister

Jan 7, 1970: Born
in Liverpool, UK

1984: Joins Labour Party

1991: Graduates from University
of Cambridge with English degree.
Starts work as journalist

1994: Gets first break in politics,
working as researcher for Labour
MP Tessa Jowell

1998: Becomes special adviser
to Culture Secretary Chris Smith

2001: First elected to Parliament
as MP for his hometown of Leigh,
Greater Manchester

2005: Serves as junior minister
under Prime Minister Tony Blair

2007: Joins cabinet as chief
secretary to the Treasury, and later
culture secretary and health
secretary, under Gordon Brown

2009: After being heckled on
20th anniversary of Hillsborough
disaster Ð stadium crush that killed
97 Liverpool fans in 1989 Ð Burnham
raises issue in cabinet, contributing
to launch of second inquiry

2010: Runs for Labour leadership
after BrownÕs resignation but comes
fourth out of five contenders. Makes
second bid in 2015, losing to
Jeremy Corbyn

2017: Quits as MP to run for mayor
of Greater Manchester, winning with
more than 60% of vote. Earns praise
during his tenure for transformation
of regionÕs transport system

2020: Stand-off with Conservative
government during Covid pandemic
helps earn him ÒKing of the NorthÓ
nickname

Jun 18, 2026: Burnham returns to
Parliament after winning Makerfield
by-election

Jun 22: Resignation of Prime
Minister Keir Starmer paves way for
potential Burnham premiership

Source: BBC
Picture: Getty Images
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