Who is Andy Burnham, King of the North, frontrunner for UK PM's post?

British politics seems to have found its own version of a Game of Thrones storyline. Andy Burnham, the Labour politician known as the "King of the North", who returned to Westminster after winning the Makerfield by-election, could be the next British Prime Minister.

Following Keir Starmer's announcement on Monday that he would resign as both Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, attention has turned to a potential successor. Among the names emerging as a frontrunner is Andy Burnham, who is widely seen as a possible replacement for Starmer, according to the BBC.

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Starmer's exit means the UK is set to get its seventh prime minister in just over a decade, marking the highest leadership turnover in nearly two centuries.

On the eve of the by-election, Burnham had indicated that he would enter any future Labour leadership contest and challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer if he secured victory in the Makerfield by-election.

That Burnham is a frontrunner was also evident because of the kind of questions he was fielding hours after Starmer stepped down. Asked if he would call a general election if he became the prime minister, Burnham said that was "jumping too far ahead", reported Reuters.

Burnham, who returned to Parliament last week after winning the Makerfield by-election, is one of Labour's most recognisable figures. His victory marks a return to the House of Commons after nearly a decade spent governing Greater Manchester as its mayor.

CAN BURNHAM CONNECT LABOUR WITH UK'S WORKING CLASS?

Fifty-six-year-old Burnham emerged as a rallying figure for Labour members and supporters seeking an alternative to Starmer's leadership. Many view him as a potential contender for the party's top job.

His reputation as a champion of northern England, built during clashes with the Conservative government during the Covid-19 pandemic, has given him a pan-national political identity, beyond his constituency.

Burnham's supporters see him as a politician who can reconnect Labour with working-class voters and areas that often feel ignored by London. Critics, however, question whether the "King of the North" could translate into national leadership.

For now, Burnham's return would inject fresh intrigue into British politics. The Labour Party is facing internal tensions and declining popularity. At this juncture, the question is whether the "King of the North" can claim the Iron Throne of British politics and, unlike several of his recent predecessors, remain there long enough to leave a lasting mark.

THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR THE UK's ANDREW BURNHAM?

Andrew Murray Burnham was born in January 1970 in Merseyside, northwest England.

A long-time Labour politician, Burnham served as MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017. During that period, he held several senior cabinet positions under former prime minister Gordon Brown, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary, and Health Secretary.

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Burnham twice sought the Labour leadership, first in 2015 following Labour's defeat to the Conservatives and again in 2017. He was unsuccessful on both occasions.

Rather than remaining in Westminster, he chose a different path. In 2017, he became the first directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, a position that transformed his political profile.

WHY ANDREW BURNHAM IS CALLED THE 'KING OF THE NORTH'

Burnham's nickname emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, he publicly challenged the government of then-prime minister Boris Johnson over financial support for northern regions affected by lockdown restrictions. Burnham argued that the government's response disproportionately favoured London and the South East while failing to provide adequate support to workers and businesses in northern England.

The standoff tapped into long-standing regional disparities in Britain. Many in northern England feel political power, investment, and economic opportunities are disproportionately concentrated in London and the South East.

Burnham's confrontation with London received widespread media coverage. It elevated Burnham into a symbol of northern resistance to what many perceived as a London-centric political establishment.

Supporters embraced the title "King of the North", a reference to the popular television series Game of Thrones, where northern leaders often challenged rulers based in the fictional capital of King's Landing. The label has followed Burnham ever since.

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HOW MAYOR BURNHAM RESHAPED GREATER MANCHESTER

As mayor, Burnham focused heavily on regional devolution and public services in Greater Manchester.

His most visible achievement was the expansion of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester's integrated public transport system that brought buses and trams under a unified framework with simplified fares.

He also championed skills programmes, local economic development, and efforts to increase affordable housing. Many supporters say that he helped raise Greater Manchester's national profile and demonstrated that devolved governance can deliver tangible results.

However, not all the initiatives of Burnham succeeded. Critics point to unmet targets on homelessness and argue that some transport reforms had been planned before Burnham entered office.

Nevertheless, his mayoralty strengthened his image as a politician who focused on local issues rather than spending years in power struggles in Westminster.

CAN THE KING OF THE NORTH RULE THE NATION?

The biggest question surrounding Burnham's potential new role is whether his appeal would extend beyond northern England.

His political brand is closely tied to regional identity, devolution of taxes and duties, and working-class communities. Those strengths have helped him build a loyal following in Greater Manchester and other northern regions.

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But becoming prime minister requires winning support across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some critics argue that Burnham's record as mayor, while impressive, might not necessarily translate into national leadership.

The comparisons with Game of Thrones are, of course, symbolic. Britain is not heading into a medieval succession war. However, the parallel of a popular northern leader returning to the capital at a moment when the authorities are being questioned is interesting. Whether Burnham ultimately replaces Keir Starmer or not, for now, the "King of the North" is back in the game.

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