
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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