Prime Minister Andy Burnham became emotional recalling how his father, Roy, who suffers from advanced Alzheimer's, remains unaware of his son's premiership. Care home staff made efforts to have Roy watch Burnham's address outside Downing Street, believing he might have momentarily recognized his son.
Burnham shared the poignant experience on broadcaster Elizabeth Day's podcast, "How to Fail." He explained that staff at his father's care home in the North of England ensured Roy was in front of the television during the event. "Six of us stood around him and said 'Roy, look,'" Burnham recounted, adding that staff believed he "momentarily" knew what he was seeing.
Burnham, who has vowed to reform the social care system, drew on his family's experiences, stating that the care his father receives highlights systemic issues. "My dad has Alzheimer's and you see what the staff have to put up with. It's not their fault. The system's broken. You can't leave social care like this," he said.
He noted that his family was not aware that intensive treatment for his father's prostate cancer could trigger Alzheimer's. The thought of the care home staff making efforts to ensure his father saw him on television was particularly moving for Burnham, especially as he was on screen discussing his mother.
Before assuming the premiership, Burnham had expressed sadness that his father would not understand his new role, despite likely feeling immense pride. He views his current position as a "whole family achievement," even if his father is not aware of it.
Burnham's past attempts to reform social care, including a proposal as health secretary in 2010 for a national care service, were hindered by public perception. He aims to dedicate political capital to addressing the issue, criticizing Westminster for repeatedly delaying such crucial decisions. He argues that a functional NHS relies on a stable social care system that can prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
Additionally, Burnham revealed that his father's condition means he is unaware of his son's recent shift in political views regarding proportional representation, a cause his father championed.