Key facts
- Wife's reaction
- Marie-France van Heel said 'Not again' and noted Burnham had been told twice they didn't want him.
- Marriage
- The couple married in 2000, shortly after their eldest child Jimmy was born.
- Van Heel's background
- Grew up in the Netherlands and Belgium, moved to UK to study at Cambridge University.
- Current role
- Chief marketing officer of Iduna Infrastructure; previously chief strategy officer at Heavenly.
- Previous leadership bids
- Stood for Labour leadership in 2010 (fourth) and 2015 (second).
- Political career
- MP for Leigh (2001), health secretary (2009), Manchester mayor (2017).
Background
Andy Burnham, the current prime minister, has revealed that his wife, Marie-France van Heel, was hesitant about his decision to stand in the Makerfield by-election in hopes of becoming prime minister. Speaking on the podcast How To Fail with Elizabeth Day, Burnham said his wife 'took some persuading' before he entered the race.
Burnham, who previously served as Greater Manchester Mayor, has twice failed to become Labour Party leader, in 2010 and 2015, finishing fourth and second respectively. His wife, known as Frankie, was blunt about his past failures, telling him: 'What? Not again. They told you twice they don't want you. Why are you doing it again?'
The couple married in 2000, shortly after the birth of their eldest child, Jimmy. Van Heel grew up in the Netherlands and Belgium before moving to the UK to study at Cambridge University, where the couple met and began dating.
Current situation
Burnham described his wife as someone who 'doesn't hold back' and provides 'no soft landing' when discussing his political ambitions. He said they have 'always just had honest conversations' about his career, and she understands his motivation: 'It is about changing the country to make it fairer.'
Van Heel, who is the chief marketing officer of Iduna Infrastructure and previously chief strategy officer at London-based agency Heavenly, has supported her husband through his political career, from entering parliament as MP for Leigh in 2001, to becoming health secretary in 2009, and Manchester mayor in 2017.
Burnham told The Sunday Times that her response to his plans to run in Makerfield was 'probably a two-word answer'. He also recalled that after interviews early in his career, she would send him a text in block capitals on his Nokia mobile phone: 'Answer the f***ing question.'
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Fourth |
| 2015 | Second |
Impacts
The revelation offers a rare personal insight into the private life of the prime minister and his wife, who has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. It may shape public perception of Burnham's leadership bid, humanising him as a politician who faces candid feedback at home.
Van Heel's hesitation, as described by Burnham, could influence how voters view his determination and resilience, particularly given his previous leadership defeats. Her support, though initially reluctant, appears to have been crucial in his decision to stand, as he ultimately did run in the by-election.
The comments may also affect the couple's public image, with van Heel's bluntness potentially resonating with voters who appreciate directness. However, the full extent of her influence on his political decisions remains unclear, as Burnham did not elaborate on how she was eventually persuaded.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election and becomes prime minister, his wife's role may come under greater scrutiny, and her candid nature could become a defining aspect of their public image. However, if he loses, the couple may face a period of private reflection, given her initial reservations.
The by-election outcome could also affect Burnham's political future. If he succeeds, he may pursue further reforms aimed at making the country fairer, as he has stated. If he fails, it could mark the end of his leadership ambitions, though he has not indicated any plans to step back from politics.
Van Heel's support, though initially reluctant, may prove pivotal. Should Burnham become prime minister, her influence on his decisions could be a subject of continued public interest, but whether she will take on a more public role remains to be seen.
Source: independent.co.uk
