Politics·4h agoAI summary Andy Burnham: The journey from Liverpool to Labour leadership contender
Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor, is bidding for Labour leadership after Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. Having previously run twice and lost, Burnham's chances are boosted by Wes Streeting's support and his recent Makerfield by-election win. Born in Liverpool in 1970, he grew up in Cheshire and was inspired to join Labour by the BBC drama 'Boys from the Blackstuff'. A lifelong Everton fan, Burnham studied English at Cambridge and began his career in journalism before working as a researcher for Tessa Jowell. He entered Parliament in 2001 as MP for Leigh and held cabinet positions under Gordon Brown. His advocacy following the Hillsborough disaster led to a second inquiry. Burnham ran for Labour leader in 2010 and 2015, finishing fourth and losing to Jeremy Corbyn respectively. Critics label him a 'weather vane' for shifting political stances, but he has become a prominent figure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, praised for transport reforms and his 'King of the North' persona during the Covid pandemic. His return to Parliament via the Makerfield by-election positions him as a front-runner for the top job.