Liverpool-born Andy Burnham in Health Dept chair

by Nick Webster. Published Mon 08 Jun 2009 09:13
Andy Burnham MP
Andy Burnham MP

Labour MP Andy Burnham has risen through Labour ranks to become Health Secretary but also holds an unusual accolade.

The 39-year-old is now in charge of one of the Government's main departments, with an NHS workforce of 1.4m and a budget of £100bn.

But he also holds the title of "most fanciable MP" after being voted the title in a Sky News poll in February.

At the time he said: "I am very flattered to receive this accolade but if I can win it clearly shows people are not spoilt for choice and that politics really is show-business for ugly people."

The former culture secretary hit the headlines recently as the MPs' expenses scandal unfolded.

He reportedly battled with the fees office for eight months over a £16,500 expenses claim to buy and renovate a new London flat. His claim was rejected three times but was eventually paid.

Mr Burnham also claimed for a £19.99 bath robe from Ikea. In his defence, he insisted he had not profited from the property transaction and had only made claims that were allowed.

He said he returned a £1,000 surplus to the fees office for allowances he did not spend and that claiming for the bath robe was a "genuine oversight". The mistake was corrected once it was discovered and he was not reimbursed.

Elected in June 2001, Mr Burnham was born in Liverpool and educated in Newton-le-Willows at St Aelred's Roman Catholic High School.

He went on to gain an MA in English at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

Mr Burnham is married to Marie-France van Heel and they have three children.





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