Who is Andy Burnham, the U.K.'s new prime minister?
This profile details the background and political rise of Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister. It highlights his working-class roots in northern England and his academic time at Cambridge as key factors in his political identity.
Why it matters
Understanding the background of a new national leader is essential for predicting their policy priorities and political appeal.
LONDON — The United Kingdom is ushering in a new leader. On Monday, Andy Burnham takes over from Keir Starmer as the country's prime minister.
Burnham may not be well-known internationally, but the newly chosen Labour Party leader is quite popular at home.
The following is a profile (originally published July 7 ) to get to know the U.K.'s new prime minister and the journey that led him to the country's top political job.
Born and raised in northern England, Burnham moved to the generally more posh south to study English literature at the University of Cambridge, where one professor recalls him wearing a soccer jersey to class.
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