By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-08-05 21:41:35 | Updated at 2026-08-05 22:35:13
1 hour ago
Andy Burnham has revealed his wife's brutal reaction when he told her he wanted to launch his third bid for the Labour Party leadership.
Mr Burnham, who mounted his bid after securing victory in Makerfield last month, said Marie-France van Heel was surprised by his decision to run after he lost to Ed Miliband in 2010 and Jeremy Corbyn in 2015.
However, the 56-year-old suggested his wife's quintessentially Dutch responses have helped him throughout his political career.
Speaking about his switch from Greater Manchester Mayor to Prime Minister, Mr Burnham told Elizabeth Day on the How to Fail podcast: "She was like: ‘Not again; they’ve told you twice they don’t want you'."
He added: “She took some persuading to be honest, because I guess she didn’t want to see me go through it all again and then end up the wrong side at the end of it, but she gives me good advice."
Mr Burnham also recalled his wife messaging him "answer the f**king question" after thinking he had done well in an interview when he was in his thirties.
The 56-year-old held numerous frontbench roles at the time, having been elected as the MP for Leigh at the age of 31.
He served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the age of 37 before switching to Culture Secretary at 38 and Health Secretary at 39.
Andy Burnham tied the knot with his wife in 2000
PA
“That’s the kind of feedback I’ve had from her,” Mr Burnham said.
“She’s quite forthright, she’s Dutch and they don’t hold back, they’re pretty plain-speaking, and I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of that over the years.”
Mr Burnham, who has three children with his Belgian-raised wife, met Ms Van Heel in 1989 when the pair studied at Cambridge University.
Ms Van Heel eventually married Mr Burnham in 2000 and is now the chief marketing officer of Iduna Infrastructure.
Andy Burnham leaves The Edge in Wigan with his wife Marie-France Van Heel (right) and their daughter Rosie
PA
The Prime Minister, who is a Roman Catholic, appeared alongside his wife after securing the keys to No10 on July 20.
However, Mr Burnham came under fire this week after it emerged he had jetted off on his first holiday since becoming Prime Minister.
He is believed to have embarked on an international getaway, accompanied by his wife and two of their children.
But Mr Burnham will remain in direct contact with officials and continue holding meetings during his break.
Louise Haigh alongside Andy Burnham at No10 North
PA
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, who pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation in 2014, is now the most senior member of the Cabinet currently at work.
Mr Burnham's holiday also beats records set by his recent predecessors, with Boris Johnson waiting five months before jetting off to Mustique for 10 days with his family.
Sir Keir Starmer had pencilled in a trip abroad one month after the 2024 General Election.
However, the ex-Prime Minister was forced to cancel his trip amid a series of riots across England.
Andy Burnham came under fire after going on holiday
Other Prime Ministers have also been forced to cut holidays short due to national crises occurring while they are away.
Gordon Brown hoped for some days in Dorset just six weeks after finally taking on the top job.
But the ex-Chancellor ended up heading back to work following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
Mr Brown called an emergency Cobra meeting and worked from Chequers, the Prime Minister's official country residence.
