An official media aide is reportedly set to be funded by taxpayers to assist Marie-France van Heel, the wife of British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The role is expected to involve managing media relations and supporting her in various engagements, drawing comparisons to the public profile of the U.S. First Lady.
Sources indicate that officials at Number 10, the Prime Minister's official residence, are in the process of recruiting an individual for this position. Marie-France van Heel, known as Frankie to friends, is a marketing executive who has been a visible presence alongside her husband during his duties since he took office. Prime Minister Burnham has previously acknowledged her influence on his political views.
A Number 10 source stated that providing support for the Prime Minister's spouse is standard practice to facilitate their participation in official engagements. The source suggested that previous prime ministerial spouses have had similar support, such as private secretaries, and any salary for the new aide is anticipated to come from existing budgets.
This development contrasts with the funding for a press officer for Boris Johnson's wife, Carrie, which was reportedly covered by the Conservative Party. Marie-France van Heel has accompanied her husband on significant occasions, including greeting Emmanuel Macron at Downing Street. The couple met at university and have three children.
Sources close to the situation suggest that van Heel is keen to leverage her position to champion charitable causes. Her background in marketing includes work with charities such as Marie Curie, the Alzheimer's Society, and Great Ormond Street Hospital, focusing on brand and marketing strategies. This indicates a potential focus on charitable initiatives in her new capacity.
The prospect of a more formal role for the Prime Minister's wife has been noted by observers. While past spouses have varied in their public engagement, a source told The Sun on Sunday that this potential role signifies a more formal step, moving towards a position akin to that of the U.S. First Lady, who officially champions causes and undertakes public duties.