Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice. Andy Burnham entered 10 Downing Street as prime minister on Monday, replacing Sir Keir Starmer in an astonishingly rapid power shift. Mr Burnham quit as mayor of Greater Manchester after winning the Makerfield by-election held on Thursday, June 18. His election back to the House of Comnmons was followed days later by Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. No other Labour MPs put themselves forward to replace Sir Keir, ensuring a coronation for Mr Burnham, who officially became prime minister on Monday. With him as he entered Number 10 was his wife of 25 years, Marie-France van Heel. Dressed in a £850 Victoria Beckham dress, Ms van Heel waved to Mr Burnham’s supporters and kissed her husband as they took their first steps into Number 10.
Published: July 20, 2026 11:21 am
Source: London Evening Standard — Read original