Teacher's Influence on Andy Burnham's University Ambitions
Stephen Harrington, who taught English to Andy Burnham in the late 1980s, played a crucial role in encouraging the future MP to apply to Cambridge University. Harrington recalled that Burnham needed considerable persuasion because, as a working-class boy, he felt that Cambridge was not a place for him.
"He needed a lot of persuading to apply because he felt that as a working-class boy, going off to Cambridge wasn't for him. He didn't believe in himself, but he did it, and the rest is history."
At the time, Burnham was 16 years old and attending St Aelred's Catholic High School in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside. Harrington's encouragement helped boost Burnham's confidence during this pivotal period.
Reflecting on his impact, Harrington said,
"My son has been saying to me 'you've changed history Dad', but he likes a good phrase."
Burnham himself has acknowledged that his former English teacher "lifted him" to achieve more than he initially believed possible.
Burnham's Return to Westminster and Leadership Prospects
Burnham recently returned to Westminster as the MP for Makerfield, following a by-election triggered by the resignation of the previous Labour MP, Josh Simons. After Sir Keir Starmer announced his intention to step down, Burnham is currently the sole candidate in the Labour Party leadership election and is widely considered a strong contender to become prime minister.
Early Life and Education
Born in Liverpool and raised in Culcheth, a commuter village near Warrington in Cheshire, Burnham began his sixth form studies at St Aelred's Catholic comprehensive school. He joined Harrington's A-Level English class during this time.
Harrington described Burnham as a "really pleasant" and "bright lad" with modesty. Despite playing cricket for Lancashire Schoolboys, a prestigious achievement in the area, Burnham did not boast about it.
"Here he was playing cricket for Lancashire Schoolboys, which is a very prestigious thing to do in this area, and he never mentioned it to me. He was never sort of showing off or anything like that, he actually kept that to himself."
Academic Interests and Influence of Tony Harrison
Alongside English, Burnham studied Spanish and maths at St Aelred's. Initially, he considered pursuing a linguistics degree at university. However, Harrington recalled persuading him to study English instead, noting Burnham's strong interest in the poet Tony Harrison.
To support this interest, Harrington provided Burnham with additional materials, including a cassette recording of Harrison's poem "V."
Tony Harrison, born in Leeds in 1937, was known for his often controversial poetry and plays that reflected his working-class background. His poem "V," published in 1985, contained explicit language and references to the 1984-1985 UK miners' strike and union leader Arthur Scargill, highlighting political divisions.
"V" was broadcast by in 1987 and sparked significant public reaction, prompting some MPs to call for a debate in the House of Commons.
Harrington believes Harrison's work demonstrated to Burnham that poetry was accessible beyond the middle classes, which influenced his decision to study English.
"That was really what turned Andrew towards studying English," Harrington said.
Challenges and Experience at Cambridge
Burnham was initially reluctant to apply to Cambridge University, feeling it was not a place for someone from his social background.
"It was very much 'I know that's not for people like me' and 'socially that's not me'."
Harrington noted that some of Burnham's concerns proved accurate, as the MP found the experience challenging and felt somewhat out of place initially. Nevertheless, Burnham eventually found a supportive group of friends and succeeded academically.
He studied English Literature at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, graduating with a 2:1 degree.
During his time at Cambridge, Burnham met his future wife, Marie-France van Heel.
Continued Relationship with Former Teacher
Burnham has described Harrington as an "amazing man" and maintains contact with him. Harrington recalled Burnham traveling from London to attend his retirement event at St Aelred's in 2003.
While flattered by the praise, Harrington remains humble about his role in Burnham's journey.
Burnham's Early Life in Culcheth
Burnham spent much of his childhood living on Common Lane in Culcheth, an area characterized by large detached houses with spacious gardens. Some properties nearby are listed for sale at prices exceeding £1 million.
Although many residents around his former home are recent arrivals, some longtime neighbours recall Burnham and his two brothers, John and Nick, particularly their enthusiasm for football.
'Football in the Garden'
A former neighbour, who preferred to remain anonymous, recalled that Burnham was about 16 or 17 when they moved to the area, just before he left for university.
"The three boys played football in the garden, a lot, and their footballs came over into our garden, so we saw and heard them quite a lot."
Her husband noted that even as a teenager, Burnham was an effective communicator who remembered people well.
"We only really met him just before he went to university and he was obviously very good then, so he'd learned those skills quite early on," he said.
Danni, a local resident, mentioned that her son attended college with Burnham's niece and that she occasionally sees Burnham at the local Sainsbury's store. She expressed excitement that someone from the village might become the next prime minister.
"He just seems like a very kind of down-to-earth guy and I think he's going to involve the north a bit more which is always nice, because it's always very south-centric isn't it down at Parliament."
Another neighbour, Lindsay, who recently moved to the area but remembered Burnham from his time as MP for Leigh, expressed optimism about his leadership prospects.
"I think it's a good thing for the North, I do, hopefully, he'll do really well," she said. "He's just always worked hard at what he's done and he deserves to be where he is. You used to see him walking down Bradshawgate in Leigh all the time, waiting for you to go and approach him."
Mentorship and Political Career
Burnham has consistently acknowledged those who supported him, especially the late Paul Goggins, Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, whom Burnham described as his mentor.
At Goggins' funeral in January 2014, Burnham, then MP for Leigh and shadow health secretary, remarked,
"Every time I had a problem when I was first elected, I would call Paul Goggins – who do I call now?"
Wyn Goggins, Paul's widow, noted the close friendship between the two men, who shared northern roots, faith, and a love of football.
"Paul helped Andy a lot when he was first elected."
While pleased about Burnham's potential to become prime minister, she acknowledged mixed feelings about the increased media attention he and his family will face.
"His lovely family come under so much scrutiny but they are strong and he knows what happens in politics."
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and Additional Coverage
- Burnham could be leader in weeks under Labour timetable
- Who is Andy Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel?
- Burnham on course to be PM, but what would his No 10 operation look like?
