Questions have been raised about the stance of Andy Burnham, widely anticipated to become the next Labour leader, on the British monarchy. As he prepares for the customary Prime Ministerial pilgrimage to Balmoral next month, his past remarks and personal background are being examined.
In his 2024 memoir, 'Head North,' Burnham, a native of Liverpool, reflected on the 1989 FA Cup final. He described the crowd's chant of "Merseyside, Merseyside" as a significant act of defiance against the "Establishment" and the "Royal Box," which he felt had turned against the city. The Duchess of Kent presented the trophy that day.
Furthermore, Burnham's attendance at Sunday morning worship with the King and Queen at Balmoral's Crathie Kirk, an austere Protestant church, is noted. Burnham himself is a lapsed Roman Catholic.
Burnham's political trajectory has also seen him serve as Mayor of Greater Manchester. Earlier this year, he was photographed with King Charles at a reuse center in Trafford Park.
While discussing potential political appointments, a past anecdote from Ed Balls recalled Burnham's decisive penalty kick during an MPs' charity football match at QPR. Balls, who captained the team, recounted giving the penalty to Burnham, who successfully converted it.
Speculation also surrounds potential familial appointments within a Burnham-led cabinet. Reports suggest David Miliband might return from the United States to serve as Foreign Secretary, joining his brother Ed. Separately, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer is reportedly aiming for the position of Lord Chancellor, a role previously held by his father, Lord (Charlie) Falconer, who is said to be interested in returning as Attorney General. One former Labour minister expressed concern over these rumored family reunions within government roles.