Britain has a new Prime Minister: who is Andy Burnham – and how can Christians pray for him?

Britain has a new Prime Minister. Following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation on 20 July, Andy Burnham entered Downing Street as the country’s new leader. After appointing his first Cabinet, Burnham said his government would focus on economic growth, devolving more power beyond Westminster, improving social care and helping families with the cost of living.

Whether you welcome his appointment or feel concerned by it, his arrival in Number 10 marks a significant moment in British public life. For Christians, it also raises an important question: who exactly is Andy Burnham, and what do we know about the man now leading the nation?

Andy Burnham, 56, grew up in a working-class family in Merseyside. Raised in a Roman Catholic home, he attended Catholic schools before studying English at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, where he met his Dutch future wife, Marie-France van Heel.

After graduating, Burnham worked briefly for Granada Television before entering politics. He was elected Labour MP for Leigh in 2001 and quickly rose through the ranks, serving in several Cabinet positions under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary and Health Secretary.

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Although he twice unsuccessfully sought the Labour leadership, Burnham reinvented his political career when he became the first elected Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017. He became nationally known during the Covid-19 pandemic when he publicly challenged the government’s funding settlement for Greater Manchester, arguing that the region deserved greater financial support during local lockdowns. The stance won him widespread praise from supporters, while also attracting criticism from some political opponents.

This week, that political journey reached its highest office when he became Britain’s Prime Minister, inheriting a country facing pressure on the NHS, housing, immigration, the economy and growing international instability.

Does Andy Burnham have a Christian faith? He has never hidden his Catholic roots - raised in the Roman Catholic Church, he has described himself as “Catholic by upbringing” rather than someone who is deeply religious. 

Does Andy Burnham have a Christian faith? He has never hidden his Catholic roots - raised in the Roman Catholic Church, he has described himself as “Catholic by upbringing” rather than someone who is deeply religious. He has also said he is “not particularly religious”, yet maintains that Catholic social teaching continues to influence his politics. That influence is most evident in his concern for social justice, poverty, community and the dignity of every person. Burnham has also spoken positively about Pope Francis’ emphasis on caring for the poor and promoting the common good.

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At the same time, Burnham has publicly disagreed with the Roman Catholic Church on issues including same-sex relationships and has called for a more progressive approach in some areas. 

Burnham has been married to Marie-France van Heel since 2000. Dutch-born and raised partly in Belgium, together they have three children. Unlike many political spouses, Marie-France has deliberately kept a low public profile throughout her husband’s career. She has built an impressive career of her own in marketing and communications before becoming Chief Marketing Officer for an infrastructure company.

As far as I can tell, Marie-France has not spoken about any Christian faith or church involvement, and she has chosen to keep her personal beliefs private. While Andy Burnham has occasionally discussed his Catholic upbringing, Marie-France has largely stayed out of the political spotlight.

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However, she will need to get used to the new spotlight on her fashion sense. Within hours of arriving at Downing Street, newspapers were analysing the soft lilac Victoria Beckham ‘Edith’ midi dress she wore, reported to retail at around £890, alongside her heels and handbag. It was an early reminder of the extraordinary scrutiny faced by the spouses of Prime Ministers. Every public appearance, every expression and even every item of clothing can become headline news.

That alone is reason enough to pray for her!

Politics has a way of dividing us. We can easily become more passionate about parties than about people. 

Politics has a way of dividing us. We can easily become more passionate about parties than about people. Yet Scripture points us in another direction. Paul writes: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). He wrote those words while the Emperor Nero ruled the Roman Empire, not exactly a leader Christians would naturally have supported. Prayer for those in authority has never depended on political agreement. Romans 13 likewise reminds us that those who govern ultimately answer to God. That doesn’t mean Christians cannot challenge unjust policies or hold politicians to account. It does mean we should respond with humility, wisdom and prayer rather than cynicism or contempt.

Five ways to pray for Andy Burnham

Pray for wisdom. Ask God to give Andy Burnham discernment as he faces complex decisions affecting millions of people.

Pray for integrity. Public life brings immense pressures and temptations. Pray that he would act honestly, surround himself with wise advisers and seek what is right rather than what is popular.

Pray for the vulnerable. Pray that decisions affecting children, older people, refugees, struggling families, those living in poverty and others on the margins of society would be marked by wisdom, justice and compassion.

Pray for his family. Pray especially for Marie-France and their three children as they adapt to life under constant public scrutiny. Ask God to protect their relationships and give them strength in the months ahead.

Pray for his faith. Burnham often speaks of his Catholic upbringing and the values it instilled. Pray that the Christian influences of his childhood would deepen into a living, personal faith in Jesus Christ.