The British taxpayer may soon fund a personal aide for Marie-France van Heel, the wife of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, to manage media relations and assist with her public duties. The office of the Prime Minister, known as No. 10, is reportedly in the process of hiring an official for this role.
Van Heel, who is known as Frankie to friends and works in marketing, has accompanied her husband on numerous official engagements since he took office. Burnham has publicly acknowledged her influence on his political views.
A source from No. 10 stated that providing support for the Prime Minister's spouse is considered standard practice to facilitate their official activities. The source suggested that previous prime ministerial spouses have had private secretaries, and any salary for the new aide is expected to be covered by existing budgets.
This development contrasts with the funding arrangement for a press officer who previously supported Carrie Johnson, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which was reportedly covered by the Conservative Party.
The Burnhams, who met during their university years and have three children, are anticipating Van Heel will leverage her position to champion charitable causes. Her past work includes marketing and brand strategy for organizations such as Marie Curie, the Alzheimer's Society, and Great Ormond Street Hospital. This suggests a focus on similar philanthropic endeavors.
Prime Ministers' spouses have historically adopted varied approaches to their public roles, with some embracing a higher profile while others prefer to remain largely out of the limelight. For instance, Akshata Sunak, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, delivered a speech introducing him at the Conservative Party's annual conference in 2023.
One source indicated that while spouses have made public appearances and supported causes previously, this planned role for Van Heel represents a more formal approach, akin to the established position of the First Lady in the United States. It is suggested that Van Heel has always been instrumental behind the scenes, but this move signifies a more public and structured engagement in the future.