Who Is Andy Burnham? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 7, 1970, Andy Burnham is a prominent British politician known for his extensive career in public service. As of 2025, he celebrates his 55th birthday. Over the years, Burnham has held various significant roles, including Member of Parliament for Leigh and the Mayor of Greater Manchester. His political career has been characterized by advocacy for public health services, social justice, and community engagement.
For more detailed information, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Fazakerley, Liverpool, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Andy Burnham's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a public figure, Andy Burnham is often in the spotlight, and physical appearances can be of interest to the public. Andy stands at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and has maintained a healthy weight that complements his height. Specific weight and other body measurements are less documented, but his athletic build is often noted during public appearances and events.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Andy Burnham is married to his longtime partner, Judith. The couple has three children, which they often mention while speaking about their commitments to family and community. Unlike some celebrities, Burnham tends to keep his family life relatively private but frequently shares anecdotes about his family in speeches and interviews, reflecting his values of family and dedication.
His father, Kenneth Roy Burnham, was a telephone engineer and his mother, Eileen Mary Burnham, was a receptionist. He was brought up in Culcheth and educated at St Lewis Catholic Primary School and St Aelred's Roman Catholic High School, in Newton le Willows, St Helens.
He studied English at the University of Cambridge as an undergraduate student of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He had described himself as "Catholic by upbringing" but "not particularly religious", adding: "Catholic social teaching underpins my politics, we did have to read the catechism at school but it is powerful and strong and right".
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Andy Burnham's net worth is estimated to be in the range of £1 million to £3 million. His income primarily stems from his political career, including his salary as the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Additionally, Burnham has had various positions in the cabinet, contributing to his financial standing. His public service ethos is reflected in his commitment to serving the community over personal financial gain.
The issue of homelessness in Greater Manchester was a major focus of Burnham's mayoral campaign. He pledged to donate 15% of his mayoral salary to charities tackling homelessness if elected. After his election he outlined his plan to launch a "homelessness fund", with money going to homeless charities and mental health and rehabilitation services.
He pledged to end rough sleeping in Greater Manchester by 2020, however, in November 2019 he admitted he would miss his target.
Career, Business and Investments
Andy Burnham's political journey began as a Member of Parliament (MP) and has evolved into key leadership roles in various governmental departments. He served as Secretary of State for Health and Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport. One of his notable achievements includes the pivotal role he played in advocating for the devolution of powers to Greater Manchester, enhancing local governance.
Beyond politics, Burnham has expressed interests in community initiatives and charitable endeavors that aim to tackle social issues, particularly in healthcare and education. While he is primarily known for his public service, he has also engaged in business ventures that align with his values, focusing on social enterprises.
Burnham served as a Parliamentary Private Secretary from 2003 to 2005. He was promoted by Prime Minister Tony Blair to serve in his government after the 2005 election as Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. In 2006, Burnham was reshuffled to become Minister of State for Health.
When Gordon Brown became Prime Minister in 2007, Burnham was promoted to the Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, a position he held until 2008, when he became Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. In 2009, he was promoted again to become Health Secretary.
In that role, he responded to the swine flu pandemic, opposed further privatisation of National Health Service services and launched an independent inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal.
Following the Labour Party's defeat in the 2010 general election, Burnham was a candidate in the 2010 Labour leadership election, coming fourth out of five candidates. The contest was won by Ed Miliband.
Burnham served as Shadow Secretary of State for Health until late 2010, when he was moved by Miliband to become Shadow Secretary of State for Education. He held that role for a year, then returning to the role of Shadow Health Secretary.
Social Network
As a well-known politician, Andy Burnham maintains a considerable presence on social media platforms. He is active on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where he shares updates about his work, community events, and personal reflections. In 2025, he has utilized these platforms to connect with constituents and engage in public discourse, making him accessible and relatable to the public.
Burnham joined the Labour Party when he was 15. From 1994 until the 1997 general election he was a researcher for Tessa Jowell. He joined the Transport and General Workers' Union in 1995. Following the 1997 election, he was a parliamentary officer for the NHS Confederation from August to December 1997, before taking up the post as an administrator with the Football Task Force for a year.
Education
Andy Burnham pursued higher education at the University of Cambridge, where he studied English. His background in literature has often influenced his communication style and approach to public speaking. Burnham’s educational foundation laid the groundwork for his articulate discourse and his dedication to the values of education and equity in society.
Born in the Old Roan area of Aintree, Burnham was educated at St Aelred's Catholic High School in Newton-le-Willows and graduated with a degree in English from the University of Cambridge where he was an undergraduate student at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.
He worked as a researcher for Tessa Jowell from 1994 to 1997, then worked for the NHS Confederation in 1997 and as an administrator for the Football Task Force in 1998. He was a special adviser to Culture Secretary Chris Smith from 1998 to 2001.
Following the retirement of Lawrence Cunliffe, the Labour MP for Leigh, Burnham was elected to succeed him in 2001.
