Marie-France van Heel, known as Frankie, has been in a relationship with Andy Burnham since their university days and could become a prominent figure if her husband were to enter Downing Street.
Van Heel met Burnham in 1989 when she began studying at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge. Burnham was in his second year pursuing an English Literature degree. Their relationship began during this period, with Burnham's former lecturer describing van Heel as the "coolest girl in college" at the time. Van Heel, born in the Netherlands, grew up in the Netherlands and Belgium before moving to the UK. She was born in January 1970, the same month as Burnham.
In the early stages of their relationship, van Heel participated in the ITV dating show Blind Date in 1992. She appeared on the program wearing flares, a bottle green jacket, and a yellow headband over her blonde bobbed hair. For her date, she chose Will from Surrey, but they did not connect. Years later, approximately 12 years after their university courtship, van Heel and Burnham were reportedly in a bar when Will, who had become the director of communications for the Conservative Party, walked in.
Van Heel is a marketing executive. She has been a supportive presence throughout Burnham's political career, including during his 2017 campaign for Greater Manchester mayor. IMAGE3 "Van Heel and Burnham during his 2017 Greater Manchester mayor campaign"