Burnham thanks well-wishers following his father's death

Burnham thanks well-wishers following his father's death

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed his gratitude to fellow party leaders following the passing of his father, Roy, earlier this week. In light of this personal loss, Burnham canceled several public engagements, while opposition leaders extended their condolences to him during this difficult period.

Burnham had previously shared that his father, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s, was unaware of his son’s rise to the position of prime minister. Reflecting on the outpouring of support, Burnham took to social media to thank “everyone who has shared a kind message about my dad, particularly the leaders of the other parties.” He noted that the warmth and compassion shown to his family had been a great comfort.

On his return to work on Wednesday, Burnham spoke to journalists, acknowledging the numerous heartfelt messages he and his family had received. Although he admitted the situation remained challenging, he emphasized the importance of resuming his duties. He said, “It’s hard and it will be hard for a little while but better to get back to the job.”

Burnham also highlighted the significance of the messages from political opponents, stating, “I also want to thank the leaders of the other parties, all of whom sent a message, and it shows there is decency in British politics still and that’s lovely to see, so thank you from us all, the whole family.” He added that his father would have wanted him to continue pursuing the changes he had long encouraged. Burnham has spoken fondly of his father, a former telephone engineer, who, with his mother Eileen, raised him with “laughter, love and support” in Culcheth, Cheshire. Earlier in the year, Burnham mentioned how his father’s illness had motivated his commitment to reforming adult social care in England

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